Arsenal forward Emile Smith Rowe has made "big steps" this week in his recovery from a damaged tendon in his groin, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The Hale Ender returned to training and was part of Arteta's squad that travelled to Dubai during the mid-season break after undergoing surgery at the end of September. Smith Rowe's previous appearances for the Gunners came in the club's only league defeat of the season at Manchester United.
Smith Rowe has only managed four brief substitute appearances this season and has been forced to watch his teammates rise to the top of the Premier League from the sidelines without him. Now, following Gabriel Jesus' injury, the 22-year-old's return is a highly-anticipated one.
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After missing Boxing Day's 3-1 win over West Ham United, Smith Rowe could be set to feature for Arteta's squad sooner rather than later after the Gunners boss provided a positive update on the winger.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to Brighton, he said: "He’s made big steps in the last week. He took part in some training sessions and looked good. We’re hoping to have him back soon."
Upon his return, Arsenal will be praying that Smith Rowe rediscovers his form of last season. The versatile forward featured 37 times for the Gunners, contributing to 13 goals as he earned his first call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad.
Arsenal are understood to be pursuing Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk in January to bolster Arteta's attacking options and there's also the likely chance another striker arrives following Jesus' injury.
However, should Smith Rowe return and hit the heights previously shown, the Gunners will head into 2023 with an array of attacking talent.
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