Emile Smith Rowe says he is ‘desperate’ to get back into the Arsenal side after a frustrating season with injury issues.
Smith Rowe has failed to start a Premier League fixture this season after undergoing surgery on a groin issue in September, with Arsenal’s fine form and competition for places in Mikel Arteta’s squad having restricted his minutes since returning.
The 22-year-old scored his first goal of the season as England u21s thrashed France 4-0 during the international break and is hopeful he can use that performance as a springboard back into the Arsenal side.
Smith Rowe scored ten league goals during a breakthrough campaign last season and admits he is ‘desperate’ to regain a regular place in Arteta’s plans.
“I’m really desperate [to play] to be honest,” Smith Rowe said, as per the Times. “The team is doing really well and it’s obviously something I want to be a part of.
“I’m working hard every day. Coming away here and getting minutes that I really need is really good for me to take back.”
Smith Rowe admits his spell on the sidelines has been ‘difficult to deal with’, but is keen to continue working hard to regain favour at the Emirates.
“I’ve never really been in this position before, being left out so much,” he said. “But I’m just trying to work hard as much as possible, to train as well as I can. I know the team’s on fire and they’re doing really well.
“It’s been really difficult to deal with it and manage it. But everyone at the club has been helping me on and off the pitch. It’s such a family at Arsenal, all the boys have been helping me out as well.”
