When pre-season arrives, we often hope that everyone stays fit and injury free, but unfortunately, that isn't how things always play out.
Mikel Arteta already has to work around a few knocks picked up by some of his players, who include Ben White, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu. However, the latest concern surrounds Emile Smith Rowe, who is set to miss tonight's game against Orlando City.
According to his boss, the 21-year-old has a "muscular niggle" and has been absent from the last couple of training sessions. As several fans on social media pointed it out, this is becoming a slight concern when considering that Smith Rowe has struggled for fitness quite often in recent times.
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It is something that the player himself is admittedly frustrated by, but he remains determined to overcome the challenges and return as soon as possible. "I have been quite unfortunate with injuries and stuff," he said at Arsenal's away kit launch party. "It’s just (about) trying to overcome that now and trying to stay as fit as possible. Hopefully I can get back fit soon."
Although it will of course be great to have Smith Rowe back and available, it doesn't change the fact that his quality can be missed when he's out of the team. The England international played 17 games on the left flank last season and Gabriel Martinelli found himself as the only suitable candidate to fill in for him when required.
The arrival of Fabio Vieira will help in some capacity, especially as it relieves the pressure off Martin Odegaard when he needs a rest in attacking midfield, but the lack of wide options at Arteta's disposal is worrying. With the return to Europe, introduction of five substitutes and expected departures to come, it is imperative that squad depth is improved significantly.
Two of those departures could include Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson, which would only emphasise the need for another wide man to come in. The unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has perhaps been the strongest hint yet that Arteta and technical director Edu are planning for this eventuality, but with a new season just around the corner, the lack of progress isn't the most ideal.
Despite this, there's still plenty of time for reinforcements to come in and if the addition of Oleksandr Zinchenko is anything to go by, the club will no doubt have contingency plans already in place for the wing position. Leroy Sane's name has been going around as a potential fit, with the German international able to play comfortably on the left and right-hand side of the frontline. It remains to be seen whether or not there's any genuine interest from Arsenal's end.
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