Will Smith Rowe's injury impact Arsenal's January transfer window?
James Shearman
- 29 Sept 2022 17:16 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe will spend the foreseeable future on the sidelines as he recovers from a groin injury.
Smith Rowe underwent surgery of a damaged tendon in his groin in recent days and is not expected to return to the pitch until December.
The 22-year-old suffered the setback in The Gunners' 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on September 4.
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He had previously experienced discomfort, which had limited his involvement in training and matches, but the issue worsened in the game against the Red Devils.
And after discussions with both the club's medical team and specialists, he decided that surgery was the best option.
''Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Emile to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible,'' read the statement on Arsenal's official website.
Will Smith Rowe's injury impact Arsenal's January transfer window?
Emile Smith Rowe had only managed four league appearances prior to the groin surgery, all of which were second half cameos.
Indeed, having played 1909 minutes of Premier League action in the 2021-22 season, he has managed just 47 minutes in this campaign.
The troubles with his groin may have played a part in that, but the standout reason is the form of Gabriel Martinelli.
Back stronger, Emile ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 29, 2022
Martinelli took Smith Rowe's place on the left wing, with Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus also making Mikel Arteta's first choice starting eleven.
And the decision has paid off, as Martinelli's three goals and an assist have helped the Gunners to the top of the table after seven games played.
Arteta's side are flying high at the moment, with Smith Rowe out of the side, so the 22-year-old's injury is not catastrophic to their season.
Of course, with a busy month ahead, the ability to rotate is important, but new signing Fabio Vieira has already proven that he can produce when called upon.
And Eddie Nketiah is also on standby, should Arteta need to make changes to his side.
Smith Rowe is fortunate that the World Cup is taking place, too, as he should be fully fit by the time the Premier League gets going again on Boxing Day.
Should this be the case, Arsenal will not need to look for further attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window.
