Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is expected to start against Oxford United in the FA Cup on Monday, according to reports in the English media.

The 22-year-old has not played since needing groin surgery back in September but it appears he is now very close to regaining full fitness.

Unsurprisingly, fans on Twitter are delighted to hear that Smith Rowe is back available for selection after such a long time on the sidelines:

Phew.

— snowbiggee (@snowbiggee) January 4, 2023

Finally, some good news 👏☺️. Hope his form returns shortly and he stays fit for the rest of the season 🤲

— Ministry of Degen (@BoredApe277) January 4, 2023

Happy to see him back. We will need all available hands on deck especially for our next few games!

— GunnerKing (@GunnerKing14) January 4, 2023

YES

— Michael Welch (@mhwelch1290) January 4, 2023

We need him

— Thabiso (@InThabiso) January 4, 2023

Great

— Sirwebs (@sirwebs) January 4, 2023

Yes! his goals would be a nice add

— DO_NYC (@DavidOC17377827) January 4, 2023

Although it may take a couple of weeks for Smith Rowe to get his match sharpness back, it is a big boost for manager Mikel Arteta, who needs more firepower in the final third of the pitch.

The Gunners boss bemoaned the lack of “spark” up front in the 0-0 draw versus Newcastle on Tuesday and it will be hoped that Smith Rowe can provide more of a cutting edge, especially after scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances for the London club last campaign.