While speaking about this on YouTube, Watts noted that the player apparently had a few opportunities in the game and couldn’t hide his excitement about a possible return.

He said (11:13): “It’s going to be great to see Emile Smith Rowe back. He had a couple of opportunities last night by all accounts.

“And, you know, I’ve never hidden my admiration for Smith Rowe, he’s a fantastic player. He’s got bags full of talent.

“It’s going be a really big boost for Arsenal to have him back, and to have fit for the last 14 games and for the Europa League as well.”

Is Smith Rowe needed at Arsenal in their title race?

As a result of all these recent fitness issues, Smith Rowe has seen just 47 minutes of action in the Premier League so far this term but he has at least been on the bench for the last two league games.

Seeing as the Gunners have been doing so well without him as an option, it’s easy to forget just how important he was to Arteta last season as he netted 10 league goals while also providing two assists.

In fact, with three international caps to his name – in which time he has one goal and one assist –  he may have even made the World Cup squad with England but injury sadly prevented that too.

With that in mind, if Smith Rowe can stay fit for the remainder of the season, he certainly has the quality to help Arsenal in a big way when it comes to their ambition of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.