Arteta says Smith Rowe 'on right path' ahead of injury comeback

Mikel Arteta wants Emile Smith Rowe to use his injury setback as a source of motivation ahead of a potential comeback against PSV Eindhoven.

The England international is part of Arsenal's travelling squad for tomorrow's Champions League fixture at the Philips Stadium.

Smith Rowe has not featured since suffering a knee injury in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United on October 28.

Gunners boss Arteta said: "What he has been through is part of the experience that 95% of footballers have to go through.

"That's difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different kinds of performances too. He's back now and he can use that in a very powerful way, he will be a much better player. 

"I think he’s on the right path, the way he's done his rehab, I haven't seen it like he's done it this time. 

"The more we can give him chances to play, the better we will be. So let's hope that's going to be the case."

Smith Rowe may be afforded an opportunity against PSV with the Gunners having secured top spot in Group B.

However, Arteta refused to confirm whether he will make wholesale changes to his XI.

He said: "We have five or six big injuries, so we are already a bit thin. I don't know in a different context what I would have done. 

"But as well I want everyone together and everyone together with the mentality to win. I want to see in the tummy of the players tomorrow that although the job technically is done, it is not completely done. 

"Our duty as representatives of Arsenal is to win every game and tomorrow we need a big performance against a team that is going to make it very difficult like they have shown in the past two years here."

Arteta also explained Bukayo Saka's absence from outside training today, with the winger part of the travelling group.

He added: "Bukayo's fine. 

"With a few of the players we decided to give them another day's recovery just 48 before and some of them have played a lot of minutes.

"We’ve already done what we had to do inside, so it wasn't worth putting them out and exposing them outside today."