Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe could be ‘match fit’ by the beginning of January, according to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings.

The Lowdown: Surgery required

The Premier League starlet pulled up during the warm-up in the 3-1 defeat against Manchester United in September after feeling discomfort in his groin.

In conversation with the 22-year-old, the Gunners soon decided that it would be best for him to undergo surgery, with a return following the conclusion of the World Cup being targeted.

The Latest: Collings’ fitness update

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for the Evening Standard, Collings revealed that Smith Rowe is set to link up with the rest of his Arsenal team-mates on their training camp and could come into contention for a return to playing as early as the New Year.

He wrote: “Emile Smith Rowe's recovery from groin injury going well. Expected to travel to Dubai and join full training towards end of trip.

“Plan/hope is he will be match fit and firing by start of January. Would be big boost for Arsenal.”

The Verdict: Great news for Arteta

Smith-Rowe has been dubbed ‘Hale End’s finest’ by Jacek Kulig, and it will be great news for Mikel Arteta to hear that the Arsenal gem is close to a return to first-team action.

The England under-21 international has scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 86 senior appearances for the Gunners, showing what he adds to the team in the final third (Transfermarkt).

Arsenal are already flying high at the top of the table as it is, so there’s no need to rush him back, but his return to action at the Emirates Stadium will certainly be a positive sight for the Gunners faithful.