Smith Rowe back in Arsenal training

Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe has returned to training after recovering from a suspected bout of COVID-19.

The England international was not pictured in practice before the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last week and was nowhere to be seen at the Emirates on Thursday night.

Arsenal affirmed that Smith Rowe’s illness was not COVID-19, but subsequent reports claimed that the 21-year-old had indeed contracted the virus, although there was no official message from the club.

However, Smith Rowe appears to have made a quick recovery and rejoined his teammates for a training session on the Emirates pitch on Tuesday afternoon.

The Hale End graduate is therefore expected to be back in the fold for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Watford, with the Gunners aiming to climb back into the top four at Vicarage Road.

Smith Rowe’s nine Premier League goals – one of which came in the 1-0 home win over Watford in November – sees him top the Arsenal scoring charts this season, and the attacker’s return would see Takehiro Tomiyasu represent the Gunners’ only injury concern for the weekend.