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Arsenal boss provides update on Smith Rowe and Tomiyasu

By on February 25, 2022

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Mikel Arteta provided an update on the fitness of Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu after they missed Arsenal’s victory over Wolves on Thursday night.

Tomiyasu has been on the sidelines with a niggling calf injury in recent weeks but returned to the squad as an unused substitute during the win over Brentford last weekend.

The Japan international was tipped to return to the starting eleven for the visit of Wolves last night. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Arteta confirmed there was no fresh injury concerns in the squad. This suggested that Tomi was fit and available for selection.

However, the 23-year-old wasn’t included in the matchday squad when the teams were announced an hour before kick-off. Speaking to reporters after the thrilling 2-1 win, Arteta confirmed Tomiyasu has now suffered an injury to his other calf.

Arteta told Arsenal.com:

on Tomiyasu’s injury…
Yes, it was the other calf. So he came back and he was completely fine, and in training he felt the other calf. So this in an issue because he’s a professional, who is giving absolutely everything to help us, and in the last few months he’s not been fit.

This is a big blow so hopefully the injury isn’t serious. Tomiyasu has been an excellent addition to the squad since arriving last summer and we desperately need him fit as soon as possible to help in the fight for fourth place.

emile smith rowe arsenal

Smith Rowe was another surprise absentee against Wolves last night. The 21-year-old started, and scored, against Brentford last Saturday and was tipped to keep his place against Wolves.

However, Arteta revealed shortly before kick-off that Smith Rowe was forced to miss out due to illness with the attacking midfielder complaining of stomach problems.

Arteta told the BBC:

“Emile [Smith Rowe] is ill, he tried to get back for the game but he has some stomach problems and cannot be available to even be on the bench.”

Thankfully we managed to edge past Wolves without Smith Rowe and the youngster should recover from his illness in time to face Watford at Vicarage Road on March 6th.

Arsenal came from behind to beat Wolves 2-1 thanks to a late own goal deep in stoppage time. The victory has moved us up to fifth place – just one point behind Man Utd with two games in hand – so it was a vital win in the race for Champions League qualification.