Emile Smith Rowe admits he’s desperate to get back into the Arsenal team, after his latest goal on England u21 duty.

There’s no doubt that Emile Smith Rowe has had a difficult campaign with injury, with his surgery early on in the season forcing him out until 2023 and another setback towards the end of January.

But it’s also worth mentioning the mental impact of going from being a key player to watching on from the sidelines.

Smith Rowe was often a starter for Arsenal last season, and he was only one goal off being the team’s top scorer in all competitions.

Now he’s watching his teammates fight for the Premier League title while he faces a real fight to get onto the pitch.

The international break came at a good time for the midfielder, as he was in need of the minutes the England u21s can provide. He took full advantage at the weekend, scoring a very nice headed goal against France.

But speaking to the media afterwards, Smith Rowe admitted he’s desperate to get back to playing for his club as well.

“I need to be getting minutes (with the England u21s), scoring and assisting as much as I can,” Smith Rowe said.

“Obviously my aim is to get back into the Arsenal team, too. I’m desperate to be playing because the team are doing really well and it’s something I want to be a part of.

“For me, I’ve got to stay fit now for when the manager needs me. I know the team is on fire and they’re doing really well.

“I’ve never been in this position, being left out so often, but I’m trying to work as hard as I can so I’m ready to perform.”

Another strong display with the England u21s on Tuesday should help to keep Smith Rowe in Mikel Arteta’s thinking, and then it’s just about making his chances count.

The 22-year-old did so with a vital assist against Bournemouth earlier this month, but there are sure to be further opportunities for heroics now we’re at the business end of the campaign.