Major boost for Arteta as Arsenal boss reveals "incredible" player could feature against Oxford United

Mikel Arteta has indicated that one fan favourite could feature against Oxford United on Monday evening, as Arsenal hunt their 15th FA Cup trophy.

The Spanish coach is likely to rest some key players for the contest, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, who have started the Gunners' last three matches since the Premier League restart.

And after months on the sideline, Arteta has indicated that Emile Smith Rowe could return to action, with the midfielder available for selection.

Smith Rowe hasn't started a match since May last year, after suffering a groin injury which has kept him out for over 6 months. However, Arteta has confirmed that he is back in training, and could play a part against Oxford United.

Arteta on Smith Rowe's return

When asked about the 22-year-old's potential return, the boss said: “Tomorrow [Monday] if he trains well, he will hopefully be available to give us something in the game," Arteta told Arsenal.com

The Spaniard went on to discuss how much they have missed the England international, stating: “We need him fit and at his best, and when we have that, we have an incredible player that we have missed a lot in the last few months. He can play as an attacking midfielder, as a winger and even as a nine; I think he’s played there before.”

Smith Rowe reached double goalscoring figures last season, earning him a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England team and Arsenal's iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by legend Dennis Bergkamp.

Despite surgery having significantly slowed his progress, it has not slowed down his team-mates, with the Gunners soaring to the top of the league in his absence.

As a result, Smith Rowe will have to work hard to force his way back into the squad, with Arsenal's attackers currently in red hot form.

Nevertheless, his return will come as a huge boost for Arteta, with the boss having to rely on a small group of players so far this season.

Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Emile Smith-Rowe, FA Cup, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno