EMILE SMITH ROWE'S injury issues are getting under Mikel Arteta's skin.
The England midfielder, 22, has been dogged by a groin problem while Oleksandr Zinchenko is also out with a calf issue.
The Ukrainian, 25, has also missed the wins over Fulham and Aston Villa in August.
Top-of-the-table Gunners will still play Brentford on Sunday, looking to get back to winning ways on the domestic front before an international break.
Mikel Arteta's side have had the perfect start to the Premier League season before their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.
And there is regret that the Gunners missed out on prodigious striker Erling Haaland who was available before exploding on to the scene – he is now scoring for fun for new club Manchester City.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
- Kostas Lianos
More from Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added that Emile Smith Rowe's injury hell has been "very frustrating" after a stunning campaign last season.
Arteta said: "Very frustrating. He’s a kid that loves playing football. It’s the biggest thing in his life.
"And when he’s not capable of doing that, especially after the run of games and performances that he had with us the year before, it’s just difficult.
But injuries are part of football that you’re going to get at some stage of your career.
"It’s how you face those difficult moments and now you make the next step”
- Kostas Lianos
Arteta concerned about Smith Rowe
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted he is "concerned" about Emile Smith Rowe's fitness.
Smith Rowe's injury woes have restricted him to four substitute appearances and he appeared to suffer a setback when warming down after the defeat at Manchester United this month
Arteta said: "I am concerned about the fact that we don’t have him available and when he’s been trying to train he’s not been feeling 100 per cent fit or pain free.
“This is the main concern and we have to find a solution to that. We’re trying to do that”
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal Haal back
Arsenal turned Manchester City star Erling Haaland down when he started out at Molde because they thought he was a "target man".
That is according to Molde's former chief scout John Vik, who claims English clubs, such as Arsenal, were strongly advised to snatch Haaland before it was too late but they thought he was too big for a striker.
Vik told The Athletic: "I think they [English scouts] looked at him as a target man because he was so big.
"I kept telling them, 'He's not a target man – if you're going to judge him that way, you're going to be disappointed', I remember one occasion when the team were out in Spain.
"I was with some of my colleagues from Premier League clubs and I remember saying, 'I have to repeat myself, guys, don't judge him as a target man, you have to look beyond that. He runs in between, he chases space, he's fantastic in the box, he's that kind of player'.
"I was thinking to myself, 'Am I the guy who is getting it wrong? Am I seeing this the wrong way?'"
- Kostas Lianos
Zinchenko injury latest
Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to be sidelined for two weeks, the Ukrainian FA has revealed ahead of the international break.
Star signing Zinchenko picked up a calf injury in training at London Colney.
Therefore, the Gunners will be without their first-choice left-back against Brentford on Sunday.
The Ukrainian FA released the following statement: "The Arsenal player suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club, which will require about two weeks for treatment and recovery.
"Oleksandr immediately personally informed the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, of the unfortunate news by calling him. We wish Sashka a speedy recovery"
- Ian Tuckey
Cops hunt Stokes after he misses sentencing
Former Arsenal star Anthony Stokes is being hunted by police after he failed to appear in court for sentencing.
The striker, 34, was expected at Hamilton Sheriff Court today after admitting stalking his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott.
But the court heard Stokes had not responded to calls from social workers trying to create a background report on him.
A warrant for the arrest of the ex-Celtic and Hibs forward was then ordered by Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen following the brief hearing.
He explained: "These are post-conviction cases. He hasn't been responding to calls from social work and I will grant a warrant."
Stokes bombarded his ex-partner Ms Scott with abusive text messages, seeing him send 100 texts a day on WhatsApp and email.
He labelled her a "s**t", a "s**" and a "w***e", turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.
The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019. The 34-year-old, of Glasgow, was banned from contacting her and her mother for four years in 2019 after he admitted stalking.
Stokes was nicked by cops in Northern Ireland, who were assisting police in Scotland, back in July and placed on a flight to Dundee.
His sentencing was deferred at the time on the condition of good behaviour, but he was ordered to appear back in court last month.
However, Stokes missed the sentencing hearing after testing positive for Covid-19, seeing it be rescheduled for today. Police are now hunting for the footie ace after he failed to show up.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners legends reunite for picture
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reunited with some club legends earlier this week for a night out in London.
The Frenchman, 72, was pictured with Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Martin Keown, Gilberto Silva and former Gunners chief David Dein.
Each member of the group played an integral role in Arsenal’s InvincibleS era during the 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
Wenger’s side went on an incredible run of 49 games unbeaten and they are still the only team in Prem history to achieve such a feat.
- Ian Tuckey
Ian Wright in Iwobi praise
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hailed ex-Gunners ace Alex Iwobi’s form for Everton while also praising his manager Frank Lampard.
Wright said on his podcast: “I’m so pleased with the way it’s going for him [Iwobi].
“I remember Arsenal fans, it’s the same thing they did with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, they ridiculed him.”
He added: “His ball progression and work rate, Frank has now recognised him and put him there, listen to the Everton fans when he’s doing his work, they are adoring him now.
“I’m loving the way it’s working out for Iwobi. Everton fans are now starting to realise that if they get the right players in and around him, he’s going to be a force for them.
“You look at his work rate, it’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of intensity that Mikel [Arteta] wants now and needs now, we need that, we need somebody who can press like that.”
- Ian Tuckey
Zin the running to start against Bees
Mikel Arteta is set to have a full-strength squad at his disposal for this weekend’s game against Brentford.
Thomas Partey could make a return in midfield after recovering from injury.
And Oleksandr Zinchenko is also in line to start.
Is this how Arsenal will look against the Bees?
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners are second only to City
Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes Arsenal are the second best team in the Premier League – behind only champions Manchester City.
The Bees welcome Mikel Arteta's side to the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting London derby.
Frank will be hoping to rack up consecutive home wins against Arsenal after their 2-0 win in the opening match of the 2021-22 season.
But the Danish gaffer knows Arsenal are a team transformed this campaign as they sit top of table having won five out of their six matches.
Arsenal head into the weekend sitting a point above champions City and their arch-rivals Tottenham.
And Frank paid his compliments to Brentford's upcoming opponents in his pre-match press conference.
He said: "We are playing against a very good side. It was one thing to beat them a year ago.
"For me, now, after Manchester City, they are the best performing side in the Premier League. I said to the players today that we will need to be able to suffer and defend very well.
"If we do that then I’m convinced we will have our opportunities throughout the game. No doubt this will be our biggest challenge so far."
- Ian Tuckey
Lisandro snubbed Gunners for 'biggest club' Utd
Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez has revealed why he rejected a move to Arsenal this summer.
He said: “I chose Manchester United because it is the best club in the world. That is it. It was that simple for me.
“I always dreamed of playing for this club. Everyone knows about Manchester United.
“Every game you can feel the support of the people.”
- Ian Tuckey
White Lion mystery
Ben White has been declared FIT for Arsenal's trip to Brentford on Sunday by Mikel Arteta after he was snubbed in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad.
It was rumoured that the 24-year-old was omitted from the Three Lions' Nations League matches against Italy and Germany due to injury.
It is the last chance that White will have the chance to impress Southgate in person before the World Cup begins in November.
But Gunners boss Arteta has rubbished the injury claims as he stated that the ex-Brighton defender is available for this weekend's clash against the Bees.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard was asked whether White is fit to face Thomas Frank's side.
To which he said: "Yes." Pressed on whether White is only available due to his form, Arteta replied: "Yeah, yeah. He's fit."
Primarily a centre-back, White has starred at right-back in Arsenal's opening six Premier League games due to William Saliba and Gabriel's partnership in the heart of defence.
And Arteta said: "He’s played in both positions, sometimes he’s been selected, sometimes he’s not. I think if you have a versatile player who can play at the level Ben can as both a central defender and full-back, in my opinion, that's something any manager would want, especially when you go to a tournament where a lot of things can happen.
"But that's Gareth's decision and his coaching staff. What I can tell you is that whenever Ben gets the call he'll be ready."
- Ian Tuckey
Stat attack boosts Xhak
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is thriving in his new position under Mikel Arteta – despite boasting the lowest tackle stats of his career so far this season.
The Swiss international has been deployed as a free-roaming No8 alongside Martin Odegaard, with Thomas Partey playing as a lone defensive midfelder.
In previous seasons, the 29-year-old has featured in a double-pivot next to Partey, where he has been used as a deep-lying playmaker.
But Xhaka was also burdened with defensive duties which restricted him from advancing further up the pitch.
However, Arteta has swapped his 4-2-3-1 formation to a fluid 4-3-3 which uses inverted full-backs, allowing Xhaka to venture forward.
This has had a huge impact on his game, with stats obtained from WhoScored showing Xhaka makes just 0.8 tackles per 90 minutes in the top-flight so far in the 2022-23 term.
- Ian Tuckey
Bees are Gunner get stung
Mikael Silvestre believes Arsenal will not crumble against Brentford due to their new strength in power.
He told Bettingexpert: “I think Arsenal should come on top of that game (vs Brentford). They’ve shown that they can travel.
“At Old Trafford, they were imposing their football and I think that they won’t be afraid to do the same against Brentford.
“What they have to answer is the physical aspect of the game. I don’t expect Arsenal to get into too much trouble over there.”
- Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko injury owe could shake up transfer needs
Oleksandr Zinchenko's two injury blows already this season have sparked talk Arsenal will hunt ANOTHER left-back in January.
The ex-Manchester City star has shone since his summer arrival, bar a sprained knee at the start of the term and now a calf problem.
The Ukraine hero could be out for two weeks.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'wanted Abraham'
Arsenal wanted to sign Tammy Abraham before the ex-Chelsea striker quit for Roma.
Abraham was part of a shortlist drawn up by the club last summer – but they did not make an approach.
Speaking to Caught Offside, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also shut down rumours linking Abraham with a move any time soon.
He said: “Abraham is more than happy in Rome, with the club, the city, and with Jose Mourinho.”
- Ian Tuckey
Let's hope it hasn't gong to his head…
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for August, but not all fans are happy about it.
The Spaniard, 40, led the Gunners to five successive victories last month.
As a result, he beat Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, Graham Potter and Marco Silva to the prestigious Manager of the Month award.
However, fans think Arteta should be wary despite the praise as some believe that he will be CURSED after receiving the trophy.
One person tweeted: "We’re losing to Brentford then."
Another added: "Uh-oh, we know what that means…"
A third said: "Manager of the month curse, this is where Arsenal's downfall begins."
While another highlighted: "Last time he won Manager of the Month award, we completely capitulated the following month."
- Ian Tuckey
He could be Youri stellar for Reds
Glen Johnson reckons Liverpool should be moving for Leicester’s Youri Tielemans ahead of Arsenal in January.
He told Bettingodds.com: “I’d definitely be looking to sign him. If it’s safer to secure it now and pay a small fee then I’d do that.
“I wouldn’t run the risk of allowing anyone else to have him for free.
“I think he’s the sort of player that could fit into any team relatively straightforwardly.”
- Anthony Chapman
Arteta scoops top boss award
Mikel Arteta has been crowned Premier League Manager of the Month.
The Spaniard led Arsenal to five wins in six matches.
And the Gunners sit top of the Premier League ahead of this weekend's game against Brentford.
It is the third time Arteta has won the award after scooping it in September and March last term.
- Anthony Chapman
White to keep Tomiyasu waiting
Mikael Silvestre believes Ben White has done well enough at right-back to keep Takehiro Tomiysu waiting on the bench.
He told Bettingexpert: "I think Ben White has been doing better than a lot of people would expect. Especially in a game like this, he should retain his starting spot.
"He’s been good going forward. He’s been distributing well and applying what Arteta wants.
It’s been working well. So no, I don’t think he should be dropped. Unless there is rotation for recovery. If I look at the merit and performance, he should retain his spot."
- Anthony Chapman
Martinez reveals Arsenal snub decision
Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez has revealed why he rejected a move to Arsenal this summer.
He said: “I chose Manchester United because it is the best club in the world. That is it. It was that simple for me.
"I always dreamed of playing for this club. Everyone knows about Manchester United.
“Every game you can feel the support of the people.”
- Anthony Chapman
Merson backs Arsenal for Europe
Paul Merson is confident Arsenal can finish in the top four… as long as the players don't lose confidence themselves.
He explained: ‘Arsenal’s top-four chances look a lot better this season. They need to believe in themselves more and in all honesty, Arsenal didn’t play badly despite losing to Manchester United.
"If Gabriel Jesus gets injured, they have massive problems. Eddie Nketiah is a good lad, but playing and scoring every week is a different ball game.
"I don’t want to say too much, but Arsenal are in a good position to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and I hope they can make it count this time."
- Anthony Chapman
Derby in doubt over strikes
Next month’s North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham has been plunged into chaos due to rail strikes.
Train drivers at 12 rail companies are planning to walk out on October 1 and 5 amid a long-running dispute over pay.
Arsenal are due to host their neighbours the day the planned strikes start at 12:30pm at the Emirates.
And that could mean that the Premier League, police and safety chiefs could be forced into moving the fixture.
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal 'too strong' for Brentford
Mikael Silvestre believes Arsenal will not crumble against Brentford due to their new strength in power.
He told Bettingexpert: "I think Arsenal should come on top of that game (vs Brentford). They’ve shown that they can travel.
"At Old Trafford, they were imposing their football and I think that they won’t be afraid to do the same against Brentford.
"What they have to answer is the physical aspect of the game. I don’t expect Arsenal to get into too much trouble over there."
- Anthony Chapman
Gunners legends reunite for picture
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reunited with some club legends earlier this week for a night out in London.
The Frenchman, 72, was pictured with Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Martin Keown, Gilberto Silva and former Gunners chief David Dein.
Each member of the group played an integral role in Arsenal's InvincibleS era during the 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
Wenger's side went on an incredible run of 49 games unbeaten and they are still the only team in Prem history to achieve such a feat.
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal made attempt for Tammy
Arsenal wanted to sign Tammy Abraham before the ex-Chelsea striker quit for Roma.
Abraham was part of a shortlist drawn up by the club last summer – but they did not make an approach.
Speaking to Caught Offside, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also shut down rumours linking Abraham with a move any time soon.
He said: "Abraham is more than happy in Rome, with the club, the city, and with Jose Mourinho."
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