Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Emile Smith Rowe "has not been feeling good" after contracting a non-COVID related illness.
The playmaker was forced to withdraw from the England Under-21s squad during the international break, although it was quickly assured that he had not tested positive for COVID-19.
Smith Rowe has emerged as a doubt for Saturday's visit of Norwich City nonetheless, and Arteta has not been able to provide a positive update on the youngster's condition.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Arteta said: "He's carrying an illness. He's not been feeling good. Let's see how he is in the next couple of days."
The Gunners boss also revealed that Takehiro Tomiyasu is still waiting for a work permit, but the trio of Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White are all back in training.
Arsenal enter Saturday's game at the bottom of the Premier League table with zero points and zero goals so far, but Arteta does not want to be using "excuses" amid his side's woeful opening period.
Ben Knapton
