Arsenal already have some important players missing and according to Football London, Emile Smith Rowe’s name has also been added to that injury list.
Arsenal will face Crystal Palace on Friday in the first match of the new Premier League season and Mikel Arteta is already without the likes of Kieran Tierney, Tomiyasu and Fabio Vieira.
The left-back’s time with the Gunners has been riddled with injuries and he’s currently out with a knee injury. Ideally, he should be available for selection on Friday but we don’t think he is ready to feature in the first XI.
Also, Arteta has signed Zinchenko so the manager won’t be too worried about Tierney’s fitness. Right-back Tomiyasu was out with a muscle injury and even though he is back in training, he too will be touch and go.
Midfielder Fabio Vieira joined Arsenal in the summer but the summer signing will only be fit enough to be on the bench.
Emile Smith Rowe is the latest player who is out with a groin injury and as per reports, he is a doubt for the Crystal Palace game as he’s still not returned to training.
🚨 Emile Smith Rowe will miss Arsenal’s opening Premier League match away to Crystal Palace on Friday with a groin injury, however is due back in full training next week. [@MarkyMBryans] #afc pic.twitter.com/ICeJWIuCJQ
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 2, 2022
The youngster made 33 league appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring 10 goals so he’s definitely a key member of the squad but thankfully, the manager has Gabriel Martinelli as the backup.
Apart from Martinelli, summer signing Gabriel Jesus can also play on the left wing so, if needed, the manager can use Jesus out wide with Eddie Nketiah playing up front.
However, if Emile Smith Rowe cannot be fit in time then Martinelli will start in his place with Gabriel Jesus leading the line.
