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Team news update: Arsenal boss reveals injury boost ahead of Olympiacos clash

By on March 10, 2021

Emile Smith Rowe Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has revealed an injury boost ahead of Thursday night’s crucial Europa League clash with Olympaicos after confirming Emile Smith Rowe will resume full training today.

Smith Rowe sat out Arsenal’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon after suffering a hip injury during our 3-1 victory over Leicester City the previous week.

There were initial concerns that the injury could be serious and Smith Rowe was facing a spell on the sidelines but the club confirmed last week that scans showed the issue to be relatively minor.

After missing the Burnley game, it looks like the 20-year-old is now ready to return as Arteta has confirmed that Smith Rowe is on the verge of returning to action having been given the green light to resume full training.

The Gunner academy graduate will take part in the full session with the rest of the squad at London Colney today and a decision will then be made over his involvement against Olympiacos on Thursday night.

Speaking at his press conference today, Arteta told Arsenal.com:

on Emile Smith Rowe’s fitness…
Yes, he’s close to returning and he’s going to have a full session today to see if he can be involved in tomorrow’s game. After training we will know exactly where we are with him.

Let’s hope Smith Rowe comes through training today unscathed as he’ll be a useful player to have available against Olympiacos in the first leg of our Europa League last-16 tie at the Georgios Karaskaskis Stadium on Thursday.

The youngster has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign having established himself in the first team in recent months and he’s chipped in with 6 assists and 2 goal2 in his 18 first team appearances this season.

Should he passed fit to travel, Smith Rowe will be battling the likes of Martin Odegaard, Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Willian for a place in the attacking trio behind striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tomorrow night.

Otherwise, Arsenal have a fully-fit squad to choose from against the Greek side but the likes of Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Pepe and Holding are all pushing for recalls after being benched at the weekend.