Mikel Arteta says Emile Smith Rowe has key role to play in second half of season

RETURN: Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on a return for Arsenal. Pic: Adam Davy/PA

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has talked up the importance of Emile Smith Rowe and insisted the academy graduate will have a key role to play in the second half of the season.

The 22-year-old has not played since September due to an ongoing groin issue and had surgery to fix the injury during the same month.