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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Wheatley

Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Emile Smith Rowe and demands more from the Arsenal youngster

Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on Emile Smith Rowe's injury after the England youngster had to be substituted during Arsenal's victory over West Brom.

Smith Rowe came off with a hamstring injury in the second half of the Gunners' 3-1 victory at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta's side have suffered several injuries in key positions over the past few weeks, and the Spaniard admitted Smith Rowe has felt the effects of senior first team football on body since making his league start against Chelsea in December.

"I don't know, but he felt something in his hamstring so he had to come off," said Arteta after the win.

"Sometimes he cramps and he's been cramping for a while. He's still adapting to the league and the demands of playing every three days.

"Hopefully it's nothing major."

Despite having his breakthrough season in the first team, Smith Rowe's goal against West Brom was his first in the Premier League - and Arteta has challenged the 19-year-old to push on and reach double figures next season.

"It says a lot of where we are. He's having an incredible season since he started to play in December.

"He scored his first Premier League goal and an incredible season for a no.10 of Arsenal, he needs to score 15 goals and 10 assists - then you're right up there with the top guns of Europe and in this league.

"He's got the ability to do it but he hasn't done it. We need to stay calm with him, give him the right support and step by step I think he'll deliver more."

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