Emile Smith Rowe was absent from Arsenal’s most recent training session because he’s set to feature for the u21s, according to a report.

Arsenal fans got worked up on Tuesday after it was reported that both Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira were absent from group training.

The pair have obviously been working on their injury recoveries lately, with Smith Rowe making his return to the pitch in the closing minutes against Leicester City on Saturday. So his absence sparked fears of another setback.

Fortunately, James Benge reports that Arsenal are actually planning to give Smith Rowe minutes in Wednesday night’s u21 game against Swansea City.

Following a disrupted season for the midfielder, the Premier League Cup game will give him a chance to get back up to speed.

Whether or not Vieira is set for a similar u21 appearance remains to be seen. It wouldn’t be surprising after Takehiro Tomiyasu played for the u21s in the opening game of the season.

The u21s are allowed to field up to five over-age players, so there’s nothing to stop 22-year-old Vieira from joining the match as well. But so far, there are no reports to confirm he will.

Regardless of Vieira’s participation, it will be good to see Smith Rowe making a more substantial appearance, as opposed to a few minutes at the end of a game here and there.

With Gabriel Martinelli performing so well for the first team at the moment, Smith Rowe has more license to focus on his fitness without the pressure of immediately being thrust back into the lineup.