Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe has been in positive spirits despite picking up a minor injury whilst on international duty with England which is likely to rule him out of Saturday's friendly against Switzerland.
This development along with Bukayo Saka pulling out of the squad after testing positive for Covid-19 - days after Aaron Ramsdale had to withdraw because of injury - means Benjamin White could be the sole Gunners representative for the Three Lions, up against Granit Xhaka, at Wembley Stadium.
Although, the good news for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta is that Smith Rowe's injury isn't thought to be too serious and he could win his third England cap next week when Nicolas Pepe's Ivory Coast visit the national stadium. Thus ensuring the north London outfit avoid a major injury blow in their top-four quest.
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"Emile didn't train today so unlikely he'll be involved tomorrow," England manager Gareth Southgate told reporters on Friday. "Nothing too serious but we'll check to see if he'll be involved tomorrow. Raheem [Sterling] is absolutely fine but it was a shame to lose Bukayo. We're back in that place with Covid where there's a spike. It's a shame."
Whilst Saka and Ramsdale won't be in action during the international break amid doubts over Smith Rowe's involvement, one Arsenal player who did get some minutes under his belt was Gabriel Martinelli. The forward made his Brazil debut as a second half substitute in a comfortable 4-0 win over Chile in the early hours on Friday morning (UK time).
A clearly emotional 20-year-old took to social media afterward to reflect on fulfilling yet another dream of his, posting a message around about the time of news breaking of Smith Rowe's injury. And to highlight the tight bond within the Arsenal squad, the attacking midfielder put his own disappointment to one side to react to a special moment in the Brazilian's career.
"Inexplicable feeling," Martinelli wrote on Instagram. "Another dream come true," to which Smith Rowe replied with a prayer hand and clapping emoji as he offered up his congratulations to his Arsenal teammate and rival for a left-wing spot in Arteta's strongest XI when everyone is fit and available.
Martinelli could be back in action in the early hours on Wednesday as Brazil face Bolivia. All connected to Arsenal will be hopeful the forward comes through the break unscathed, especially with Arteta's side facing 10 huge games in their quest to seal a return to the Champions League.
