Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe steps up fitness in Dubai as U21 Euros loom
Gunners No10 endured a frustrating club season but wants to impress for England’s Young Lions this summer
rsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has spent a week training in Dubai to ensure that he is in the best shape for this summer’s European Under-21 Championship.
Smith Rowe is coming off the back of a difficult season for Arsenal in which he played just 195 minutes across all competitions.
The 22-year-old missed the first half of the season after undergoing surgery on a long-term groin issue.
Smith Rowe has, however, been called up by England for this summer’s U21 Euros in Georgia and Romania.
In preparation for the tournament, Smith Rowe has spent a week in Dubai working with coach Sean O’Shea.
Difficult season: Emile Smith Rowe played just 195 minutes of football for Arsenal this term
/ Getty ImagesSmith Rowe has worked with O’Shea before and the UEFA pro licenced coach runs individual sessions alongside working as director of football for Cognita Middle East.
He has previously worked with a range of other players including Eddie Nketiah, Luke Shaw and Virgil van Dijk.
After a difficult season, Smith Rowe is determined to have a good Euros and organised the week with O’Shea.
The midfielder has previously worked with other coaches in Dubai, such as Chris Bowman, who runs Elite Sports Performance.
Smith Rowe has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer, but it is understood that the club have no plans to sell him.