"I Just Can't Wait to..." - Injured Arsenal Midfielder Says As He Names Role Model

England youngster Emile Smith Rowe has voiced his desire to return to the pitch in order to enhance his development.

The midfielder who is currently on loan from Arsenal has not made any appearance for RP Leipzig since joining them in January.

The 18-year-old followed the path of fellow English teenagers like Reiss Nelson by signing a six-month loan deal with the Bundesliga club during the winter transfer window but a groin injury sustained since December has kept him out of action.

He now hopes for quick recovery to enable him to achieve the mission for which he left London for. He is gradually returning although his resumption full training will be sometime around early April.

"I can't wait to play in front of the fans," he admitted. "I think it will be really good. Obviously the stadium is really big and it's a great atmosphere.

!When I first went to one of the games, the fans were just always singing. Obviously that happens at Arsenal as well, but over here it's just crazy."

Smith Rowe also discussed how the progress of fellow U17 World Cup winner, Sancho, has inspired him in his quest for greatness.

"I think it's definitely a big step at such a young age, but I think that's a great experience," he explained. "Seeing Reiss and other young players take the step, obviously doing well and enjoying themselves, that has really boosted my confidence.

"It really gave me the impression that this was something I wanted to do and I obviously took the risk. I just can't wait to get fit and play."

Asked about his role models, Smith Rowe picked Mesut Ozil who he says has been like a compass to him.

“I look a lot to him and when I first came to the pros, I could not believe he was there,” Smith Rowe said. “He gives me advice and helps me a lot.”