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Emile Smith Rowe is “really desperate” to help Arsenal end their long wait for a Premier League title after his injury-hit season.
Smith Rowe has largely been sidelined with a groin injury as the Gunners have marched to the top of the Premier League table, heading into this international break with an eight-point lead over closest challengers Manchester City, though the champions have a game in hand.
With just 10 games to play, Arsenal look the favourites to bring their Premier League title drought to an end, having last lifted the trophy with the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ side.
Smith Rowe returned for the Gunners with four substitute appearances before scoring on his first start for club or country since June with the England Under-21s against France on Saturday, and with Mikel Arteta’s men set to resume their title charge at home to Leeds United on Saturday, the 22-year-old hopes he can still have a big impact before this season is over.
“I’m really desperate to be honest,” the Arsenal academy product said. “The team are doing really well and it’s obviously something I want to be a part of.
“I’m working hard every day. Coming away with England is minutes that I really need. I’ve been struggling with this injury since I was 18 or 19, just before I went on loan to RB Leipzig.
“I was quite low at the beginning. I’ve never had surgery before. It’s been tough, but I’m glad it’s all sorted now. I don’t feel any pain. I just need to kick on.”
The visit of Leeds marks the start of a vital run for the Gunners, one that sees them travel to Anfield to play Liverpool on April 9 before a huge title showdown with City at the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
