Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is out injured once more, with the Gunners making a big decision on how they proceed with the academy graduate
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have made a call on Emile Smith Rowe and his future at the club, following another injury to the Hale End academy graduate.
Smith Rowe missed almost the entirety of last season, following surgery on his groin to correct an ongoing problem in the autumn. The 23-year-old has been eased into the season again this time by manager Mikel Arteta and recently made his first start since the 2021/22 season, in Arsenal's 5-0 win against Sheffield United.
Captain Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Kai Havertz are all attack-minded options in central midfield ahead of Smith Rowe alongside a more conservative midfielder – but despite his injury problems, the Gunners are not concerned about Smith Rowe or his place in the squad.
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Sources have indicated that Arteta is still committed to Smith Rowe's future at the club, with the midfielder having another three years on his contract. His groin issues have cleared since surgery, with this new knee injury being unrelated – and the club do not wish to sell him.
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Arsenal have been linked with new midfielders in recent weeks and having spent heavily in the summer, have financial restrictions to comply with. Despite this, they view Smith Rowe highly and do not want to lose him.
Emile Smith Rowe has a contract until 2026 (Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Hale End academy graduate has made 104 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
