Mikel Arteta admits he is ‘concerned’ about Emile Smith Rowe’s knee problem after the midfielder missed Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup as the Gunners face an injury crisis

Mikel Arteta admitted he was “concerned” about the knee injury that forced Emile Smith Rowe to miss Arsenal’s 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham on Wednesday night.

The midfielder made his first Premier League start of the season on Saturday as the Gunners beat Sheffield United 5-0, but was not in the squad for the game against the Hammers.

Before kick-off, Arteta revealed that Smith Rowe had suffered a knee injury.

“We have a problem with him,” he told Sky Sports.

“He felt something in his knee and started to feel pain after the game.”

Mikel Arteta has admitted he is “worried” about Emile Smith Rowe’s knee injury

The midfielder missed Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday

“We’re assessing him, but we’re a little worried about him.”

Smith Rowe’s knee problems are likely to add to the Emirates’ injury crisis, with Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey both facing spells out.

The Brazilian striker, who missed the first three games of the season with a knee problem, limped off the pitch during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League last Tuesday.

Jesus felt a strain in his hamstring at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium after scoring and providing a brilliant assist for his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli.

Subsequent scans ruled him out of games against Sheffield United and West Ham, but Arteta refused to put a timetable for his return.

‘With him [Jesus]I honestly won’t give that [a timeframe]said the Gunners boss in his pre-game press conference at West Ham.

“I did it once and got it completely wrong.” We have to be careful because we have to deal with it properly.

“He’s already pushing everyone and wants to be back as soon as possible and we need him so that’s great.”

Arteta has refused to give a timetable for Gabriel Jesus’ return after the Brazilian striker suffered a hamstring injury against Sevilla last week

Arsenal will also be without Thomas Partey, who could be out until December

Meanwhile, Arteta also admitted Partey’s fitness was a “big concern” after reports suggested the midfielder could be out until December.

The Ghanaian’s last appearance for the Gunners came as a substitute in the 1-0 win against Manchester City earlier this month. Last week he suffered a setback in training ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League away win at Seville.

“I think he will be out for weeks,” Arteta said of Partey’s latest injury.

“It is a big problem because when Thomas is fit and available and part of the team, we have seen the results and the impact he has on the team.”