When Emile Smith Rowe underwent groin surgery in September, the club said they were “hopeful” that he would return to full training in December.
Despite a minor setback in his rehabilitation, it sounds as though the midfielder remains on track to recover within that timeframe although he’s not expected to feature in a competitive match until the new year.
“Emile is close, he is starting to train again. He had a little setback but he is in a good place,” said Arteta in his first press conference following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Despite struggling for full fitness throughout 2022, the decision to send the player for surgery in the aftermath of the defeat to Manchester United wasn’t taken lightly. It drew a line through his chances of playing at the World Cup and ruled him out of at least 15 matches.
Still only 22, the club, perhaps wary of the psychological damage of spending so much time on the sidelines, formulated a recovery programme that has seen him spend time abroad and undertaking activities designed to put his struggles into perspective.
In between stints at London Colney, we know he’s worked with club staff in Abu Dhabi and joined his teammates in Dubai. He was also part of the Arsenal group that delivered presents to children in hospitals in the north London area.
“We’ve done a lot of things with Emile – sometimes he’s been very close, sometimes he’s been in different places to see different environments, but his attitude has been great,” said Arteta.
“This is part of any career, any development to have periods when you are out, when you have long-term injuries, and he needs to react to that.
“He’s got all our support; he’s a huge talent that we need for the second part of the season at his best, because his contribution is going to be key to the team.”
Pressed on the specifics of those various environments, the boss remained vague but it sounds as though he may have spent time with aspiring footballers and other youngsters.
“Different kinds of environments, different sports, and to places, to people that he could inspire, and can give him certain perspectives as well about his situation. I think he has taken a lot from it,” said the boss.
Arteta’s played a blinder if this pays off. A fit & raring ESR really is LANS
Judging by the pictures from the training ground, he has been hitting the gym with the weights and clearly worked on his upper body strength as well as recovering from his injury. Adding that extra strength to his game can only be a good thing.
It will be great to have him back and raring to go.
Emile Smith Grow.
Emile Smith Glow-Uo
Emile Smith Rehab
Emile Fit Rowe
Love this attention to detail and care the club staff are putting into these decisions.
I wonder how big Carlos Cuesta’s role is in this sort of thing. I found him a little cringy in All Or Nothing, but the players seem to like him and great idea to have someone on staff focused on mentality. Especially with our young team.
Fuck are you saying?
Man was wholesome in All or Nothing…
Using a negative situation to bring about positive personal change like this is impressive man management. It sounds as if he’s been talking to elite sports people from different sports, hearing inspirational stories, meeting people who’ve overcome adversity, etc.
Powerful experiences, one would imagine.
God damn I’ve missed this guy
Emile Missed Rowe! Coat?
Arteta continues to demonstrate an amazing ability to combine team and individual career building skills and awareness. Having players know that you have their individual growth and improvement as a top priority is why they fight so hard for him, teammates and their club.
i don’t care about the extend of his injury, all i care is My ESR is returning at the most and best moment that will makes him relevant again. with Arsenal leading the table and Gabriel Jesus out, i’m convinced Smith Rowe will play a vitai role for us again
We are soo lucky the board took the punt on Mikel, despite his lack o experience. The changes and total shift in atmosphere and player mentality is nothing short of incredible considering where we were when he came in and a Pandemic betwixed to boot. He will truly be Elite if he can guide us to some trophies, if not already in that calibre alongside other peers