Arsenal are lamenting the unfortunate injury to Gabriel Jesus on World Cup duty, with the forward positively paramount to the club's seasonal success, but a glimmer of sunlight has possibly emerged from the darkness…

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts said that he is optimistic over the fitness of Emile Smith Rowe, who has been sidelined since having surgery at the end of September.  

Watts said: “He’s got a really big part to play in the second half of the season. It is that whole cliché of ‘like a new signing’ “Obviously, he’s not a new signing, we know that.

"But suddenly having him involved again if he’s fit, and if he’s healthy and he’s finally got over this groin issue – which, fingers crossed, he will have done because of the operation – and you can get him back to the sort of fitness and sharpness he showed at the first half of last season, then Arsenal are going to be laughing.”

Smith-Rowe can fill the void

With Jesus reportedly facing an extensive spell on the sides, Eddie Nketiah might feel like the most obvious option to replace the Brazilian's goal output. However, the 22-year-old Smith Rowe also represents a fine option and could not be returning to action at a better moment. 

Only making four substitute appearances this season before receiving his injury shackles, the three-cap England international will certainly need to find his feet before roaring into life, but if last season’s endeavours are anything to go by he possesses all the capability to lead the Gunners to glory.

As per FBref, the gem ranks within the top 5% for non-penalty goals scored when compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year, which illustrates a goal-scoring prowess that can fill the boots that Jesus has left.

Last season alone, Smith Rowe, valued at £50m, scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, including ten goals in the Premier League, illustrating his credentials in front of the opposition net. 

Described as a player who can “find space in a telephone box” by Danny Cowley when he was on loan at Huddersfield, the playmaker's marvellous blend of pace, trickery and composure would allow him to offer a direct threat while also increasing the creativity in the team, sitting deeper when required and allowing the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to search for openings, with space created.

Smith Rowe will feel like a new signing when Gunners boss Mikel Arteta welcomes him back into the fold, and while the blow to Jesus might be viewed as detrimental to the clubs title charge, the return of a prolific attacking midfielder can ease the concerns, offering quality support in attack.