Fabio Vieira is expected to start for Arsenal against Oxford United, with Emile Smith Rowe also in line to return to the squad after injury.

Fabio Vieira celebrating an Arsenal goal at the Dubai Super Cup (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Fabio Vieira celebrating an Arsenal goal at the Dubai Super Cup (Photo via Arsenal.com)

The Evening Standard report that Fabio Vieira is expected to make the starting lineup for Arsenal against Oxford United on Monday night, as the Gunners kick off their FA Cup campaign.

The Standard add that Emile Smith Rowe is hoping to make his first matchday squad post-injury, as per other reports from the last week.

On Vieira, Arteta says the 22-year-old is reaching the levels physically and tactically where he can compete for more minutes.

“He is in a much better place,” Arteta said. “I think physically he has reached the level now where he can compete at the standards that we want.

“His understanding of what we want to do is much, much better and now it is my role to give him the right minutes in the right position, in the right environment, to fulfil his potential. But I am really happy with him.”

Vieira has made 16 appearances for Arsenal so far this season, but just half of those were starts. He has two goals and two assists in those games, and he’ll hope to add to that tally in Oxford.

Emile Smith Rowe in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Emile Smith Rowe in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Speaking in his press conference on Saturday, Arteta confirmed reports that Smith Rowe is in with a shot at returning to the pitch for Arsenal on Monday.

“[On Sunday], if he trains well, he will hopefully be available to give us something in the game,” Arteta said.

“We need him fit and at his best, and when we have that, we have an incredible player that we have missed a lot in the last few months.”

Smith Rowe is certainly hoping to play in Monday’s FA Cup match against Oxford United, telling Antoine Allen he “can’t wait” for the opportunity.

Amy Lawrence had previously reported for The Athletic that Smith Rowe’s return is now imminent and that he’s expected to start the match.

But the Standard only report that he’s set to return to the squad, so it remains to be seen whether he’ll start.