Arsenal are in line to receive a massive Emile Smith Rowe boost in the new year.
Sidelined since the end of September after undergoing surgery to fix an ongoing groin issue, it has been reported by the Evening Standard that the attacking midfielder will be part of the Gunners' squad that travels out to Dubai next month for a warm-weather training camp.
Furthermore, the report states that whilst Smith Rowe is not expected to take part in full training right away, by the end of the trip he might be in a position to rejoin the group as his rehabilitation is understood to be going well and he is hoping to be match-fit and firing by the start of January.
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This update is sure to be music to the ears of many Arsenal supporters and former striker Kevin Campbell who has been reflecting on what Mikel Arteta will need after the World Cup break to ensure the side hold off competition from Manchester City to win the Premier League trophy.
As well as a larger squad, the pundit has pinpointed Smith Rowe to have a big role to play upon returning from injury in January, even going as far as to claim that the 22-year-old will be 'like a new signing' having been limited to just 47 minutes of action so far this season.
"We're going to need a squad, we’re going to need it stronger and we're going to need ESR," Campbell said on the Highbury Squad YouTube channel. "Listen, he’s been training, we’re going to need ESR, he’s going to be like a new signing, we’re going to need him back and to be ready to go. He is going to have a very prominent role to play."
During his time on the sidelines, Smith Rowe has been a regular at the Emirates Stadium on a matchday, cheering on his teammates from behind the bench or in the stands after explaining this has been his routine for home matches during the period when he's not been able to train.
"Yeah I go to all the home games and I support the boys," he revealed in the club's latest 'Colney Carpool' edition hosted by Frimpon. "Away games are quite tough. It'd be fun to sit with the away fans, it would be scenes to be fair but I'm here [London Colney] working on the days we have games."
On course for a return to full fitness at the beginning of the new year, Smith Rowe should soon be able to swap the stands for a place in the Arsenal matchday squad as Arteta has moved one step closer to having his 'new signing' available for selection once again amid the latest fitness update.
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