RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick has revealed that Emile Smith Rowe joined the club carrying an injury, and he explained Leipzig’s plans for the Arsenal forward’s loan spell.

emil smith row
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2018, in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Smith Rowe picked up an injury in late November that saw him miss the following month or so, but it appeared he was on the road to a full recovery when he made the squad to face Blackpool in the FA Cup. Unfortunately, he then suffered a setback, which he’s still yet to recover from.

Nonetheless, RB Leipzig didn’t want to miss the opportunity to take the youngster on loan. They completed his temporary transfer despite knowing he was carrying the groin injury, and manager Ralf Rangnick explains that they hope to get him fit and adapted in the next few weeks.

“He will not be fully training with us in the next two to three weeks,” said Rangnick. “We have to look first now, that we can get him well again, he can get back in and we’ll introduce him quickly to our style of play.

“He is certainly an exceptionally gifted player. If he gets to the point where he can train with us in three weeks, he will certainly be able to help us, especially because he is eligible for all offensive positions.”

Arsenal's English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (L) is chsed by Brentford's English defender Ezri Konsa during the English League Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Arsenal’s English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (L) is chased by Brentford’s English defender Ezri Konsa during the English League Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2018. (Photo by Glyn Kirk / AFP)

It’s good to hear that Rangnick considers Smith Rowe an option for a number of offensive positions, as that should increase the 18-year-old’s chances of making the starting lineup. It’s also true, as the Arsenal academy graduate is comfortable playing as a number 10 or in either wide position, though he prefers the left.

Let’s hope for a speedy recovery in February and regular playing time from March until May.