Premier League leaders Arsenal host third placed Newcastle in an intriguing contest on Tuesday night. Although, Mikel Arteta will be without 22-year-old Emile Smith-Rowe for the match.
The England international resumed training before Christmas, exciting many Gunners fans who have been eagerly awaiting his return. However, tonight's action comes too soon for Smith-Rowe.
Perhaps, his absence is a good omen for Arsenal fans, since the the last game he started was against Newcastle, ending in a 2-0 defeat.
The midfielder was forced to undergo surgery back in September following an injury to his groin. But his swift recovery has come at the perfect time for Arteta as the North London side look to maintain top spot in the Premier League.
When will Smith-Rowe be back?
Smith-Rowe looks set to return next Monday, when Arsenal face Oxford in the FA Cup third round, claim The Sun.
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Arteta is expected to rest an array of first team players for the fixture, including Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, meaning Smith-Rowe may be in from the start.
Arteta on Smith-Rowe
Mikel Arteta has warned that he will not rush Smith-Rowe, but ease him back to full fitness.
“He’s been out for a while now. He needs some time to get back to speed," the Spaniard said last month.
“We really need him and we’re going to welcome him with both arms, because he’s a really important player for us. We need him fit on the pitch," added Arteta.
Arsenal's number 10 rose to prominence last season, reaching double goalscoring figures and earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad.
However, it may prove tricky to break back into the first team, with Arsenal's attacking players currently in red hot form.
He joins Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, with Arteta expected to rely on Eddie Nketiah up front again this evening.
A win over Newcastle would take Arsenal 10 points clear of Manchester City, having played one more game.
Topics: Arsenal, Emile Smith-Rowe, Mikel Arteta, Newcastle United, Premier League, Football
Joe Adams