Mikel Arteta issued an update on Emile Smith Rowe’s injury after Arsenal’s routine win over Lyon.
The Gunners warmed up for the resumption of the Premier League in style by dispatching Ligue 1 side Lyon 3-0 in their opening game of the Dubai Super Cup.
First-half goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira helped Arteta's side to a convincing victory and permitted Arteta to make wholesale changes in the second half.
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Arsenal will be hoping to bring their pre-World Cup form into the new year. The club currently sit at the summit of the Premier League, some five points clear of Manchester City in second place.
While their title ambitions have been somewhat dented by the injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus while on international duty with Brazil, Arteta had some positive news regarding Smith Rowe’s injury.
Smith Rowe is back in training
Smith Rowe, who Jamie Carragher once labelled as “special”, has been sidelined for much of the season with a groin injury.
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The attacking midfielder has to undergo surgery in September and has been out of action ever since.
However, the Gunners boss relayed some good news about the 22-year-old’s recovery after the Lyon encounter.
As quoted by Arsenal.com, Arteta said: “With Emile, he has returned to training.
“He’s in that process after we rehab, after a period where he had some real discomfort.
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“So we are giving him time – he’s getting closer and closer. So hopefully in the next few weeks, we’ll be able to see him.”
Smith Rowe’s prospective return could not come at a better time, with Arsenal’s £45million forward having been sidelined for up to three months.
The Hale End academy graduate will be crucial if Arsenal are to maintain their Premier League momentum into the second half of the season.
Featured Image Credit: ShutterstockTopics: Football, Emile Smith-Rowe, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus