Mikel Arteta says he believes Emile Smith Rowe is on the ‘right path’ as he makes his way back from another injury layoff.
The 23 year old was beginning to garner some minutes after last season’s problems, picking up a knee issue after starting in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United in October.
Since then, he’s been working hard to recover, and the Arsenal manager is hopeful that we can reintegrate a player who could give us something different in the attacking third of the pitch.
Speaking ahead of our Champions League tie with PSV on Tuesday evening, Arteta said, “What he has been through is part of the experience that 95 per cent of footballers have to go through.
“That’s difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different kind of performances too. He’s back now, and he can use that in a very powerful way, he will be a much better player.
“I think he’s on the right path, the way he’s done his rehab, I haven’t seen it like he’s done it this time.
“I think you have seen how his team-mates reacted to him being back with the team, which is a really positive thing as well. The more we can give him chances to play, the better we will be.
“So let’s hope that’s going to be the case.”
Smith Rowe was back in training ahead of schedule today, and is in the squad for tomorrow night – let’s hope he can start the process to more regular involvement from here.
Love Emile. Hope he breaks in to the team and makes himself undroppable.
It is actually going to be difficult with the form Kai Havertz is of late. It’s good ESR can play different positions: he’ll definitely come in handy if he stays fit.
I used to love him. I met him recently out in Dubai and I can see he’s hanging out with the wrong people. I also heard the same recently from another friend who knows him in london.
I’ve seen how this plays out, let’s get him fit and sell for a nice fee
Great to see him back. Hopefully for a long time now…
Let’s not push him too hard/too fast. Get him minutes… but not too many.
Alternatively he could come on at 70 minutes, but I wonder if starting gives him a better chance to be fully warm when he comes on and also not risk that we are out of subs if he isn’t feeling great.
Like that idea, start him and take him out at after 45, makes him feel valued and hopefully gives him confidence and letting him warm up properly. Putting him in at 70 doesn’t really give him time to settle, and also runs the risk that the game will have been decided and uncompetitive by then
oh dear hope ESR does much better than my grammar there
Slightly different, more positive undertone in Arteta’s comments about The Smith this time!
Was just thinking that! Seems like ESR’s mindset is in the right place which is great to hear!
It’s what Arteta values most. Are you open to constructive criticism and how did you respond. Mentality, technical ability, athleticism and flexibility to play multiple positions, a player needs all four to be an Arteta player. Mindset is first. The return of The Smith.
Arteta noting the difference in ESR’s work this time is very encouraging.
Would absolutely love to see him reaching his potential at Arsenal.
COYG
I said in the summer that I felt the left no.8 position was ESRs to lose if he could stay fit. The way he can receive the ball on the half turn and accelerate has wilshire vibes – as does his injury record unfortunately. I genuinely believe he has all of the qualities to be amongst the best – we just need to find a way to keep him fit and functioning. We have a few players like that at the moment – Tomi and ESR in particular I want to see stay injury free so they can live up… Read more »
We need another forward option from the bench, it can’t just be Trossard. A fit ESR could be a real difference maker