Arsenal tipped to leave out Smith Rowe as pictures emerge pre-Chelsea
Martin Odegaard will replace Emile Smith Rowe in the Arsenal starting XI against Chelsea tonight, according to Kevin Campbell.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners striker claimed “there’s not point” in risking Smith Rowe, 20, with “not much to play for” this season.
Smith Rowe limped off of Sunday’s 3-1 win over West Brom with a hamstring injury.
However, as pictured by club media on Tuesday, the attacking midfielder was back in training ahead of tonight’s trip to London rivals Chelsea.
Campbell heaped praise on Smith Rowe but suggested he would be left out of the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.
“I think Odegaard will come in there and replace Smith Rowe as the number 10,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Smith Rowe felt his hamstring so it is not worth taking a risk on him. There’s no point.
“There’s not much to play for. I know we have an outside chance of getting into Europe but the teams above us are not going to mess up that badly.
“Smith Rowe has been one of the shining lights this season. The youngsters have been a guiding light for the team.
“It is Smith Rowe’s first season so you can understand why he has got these little niggles because he is quite dynamic in his style of play.
“Playing in the first team is going to take his toll on him so he has to get fitter and stronger this summer. I am sure the staff will have a programme to allow him to do that.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is a big fan of Smith Rowe but fears the club may lose him if they’re not careful.
As quoted by the Independent, Wright said: “Talking about [Smith-Rowe] and Saka, you’re hoping Arsenal can match their progression because if they don’t, then clubs will try and take them off of us.”
In other news, Campbell ‘can’t believe’ what he’s seen from Willian.