The 22-year-old has had a frustrating season, making only seven substitute appearances across all competitions.
After suffering a minor setback in training, Emile Smith Rowe will miss tonight’s FA Cup fourth round match against Manchester City.
The 22-year-old has had a frustrating season, making only seven substitute appearances across all competitions.
Smith Rowe, who had lost his starting spot to Gabriel Martinelli at the start of the season, was forced to have groyne surgery after aggravating an existing groyne problem during the warm-up following the defeat at Old Trafford in September.
Smith Rowe missed the World Cup as a result, but he made his long-awaited return against Oxford United earlier this month, followed by a substitute appearance against Tottenham a fortnight ago.
The versatile forward’s latest setback is not related to his previous injury, according to The Evening Standard, and he has been left behind in London as a precaution.
The Gunners will also be without Mohamed Elneny, who is expected to be out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.
It remains to be seen how much, if any, Arteta and Pep Guardiola will shuffle their respective packs, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows he will be facing the “best team in the world” regardless of who his mentor chooses.
‘It’s a big match and a big test for us against the best football team in the world, in my opinion,’ he said.
‘I’m looking forward to it because it’ll tell us a lot about where we’re at.
‘I believe there will be two very different games [between the FA Cup and league matches], and to draw parallels between them is absurd.
‘Perhaps because of the players on the field, but also because of the context.
‘Let’s see – obviously, winning and playing well are important.
‘That gives you more momentum, confidence, and better prepares you for the next match, which is our focus on Friday.’