03 August 2023 , 15:29
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Emile Smith Rowe could become an unlikely option for Arsenal's number nine spot, with Mikel Arteta having previously talked up the England international's adaptability.
Arsenal will begin the season a man down in attack, with Gabriel Jesus expected to miss a number of weeks through injury. Gunners boss Arteta confirmed the news after the Brazil international sat out Wednesday's Emirates Cup game against Monaco.
Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun are the other strikers on the London side's books, while Leandro Trossard slotted into the role on occasion last season. There is also the possibility of forking out on a new frontman, especially if Balogun leaves this summer, but Smith Rowe may be able to save the club some money.
"“I think he can play in four positions," Arteta said of Smith Rowe in 2022. “As a left winger, a left attacking midfielder, a right attacking midfielder and he can play as a nine, very, very well.”
Smith Rowe was used sparingly by his boyhood side last season, both before and after the groin issues which kept him out of action in the early part of the season. He made just 12 appearances in the league, all from the bench, with Gabriel Martinelli preferred on the left-sided role in which the Englishman had regularly featured the previous season.
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Smith Rowe started for Arsenal against Monaco, playing just over an hour. Arteta's team drew 1-1 after 90 minutes but prevailed on penalties to go into Sunday's Community Shield on a high note.
Can Emile Smith Rowe play as a nine for Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section
The biggest issue for Arsenal, though, is the injury to Gabriel Jesus. The former Manchester City star scored in the victory over the MLS All-Stars and also impressed against Barcelona, but will be missing for some time.
"It is a big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona and he was in good condition but unfortunately we lost him," Arteta said."We had to look at it and we had to make a decision and the best one is to protect the player and get him back as quick as possible. We decided to do it.
"It’s something related to the previous injury he had and the surgery. He had some irritation in the knee and we had to get it resolved."
The previous injury referred to by Arteta is the problem picked up by the striker during the World Cup. He returned with a knee problem midway through last season, and wasn't rushed back.
With Gabriel Jesus unavailable, Arteta will have a decision to make ahead of the transfer window shutting. Arsenal have several games to play before then, including a Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.