Arsenal blow as Emile Smith Rowe ruled out of Manchester City FA Cup tie with thigh injury

Emile Smith Rowe is out of Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester City due to a thigh injury.

Smith Rowe picked up the injury during training and it is not thought to be serious, with his absence from Friday’s squad described as precautionary.

The midfielder has only just returned from four months out with a groin injury and is still getting up to speed.

It is understood that his latest injury is not related to the groin issue that required surgery back in September.

Smith Rowe was a notable absentee from the Arsenal squad, who were photographed arriving at their hotel in Manchester on Thursday night.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has taken a strong squad for the trip to the Etihad and Leandro Trossard is hoping to make his full debut.

Fellow new signing Jakub Kiwior has also travelled and could make his debut after joining on Monday from Spezia for £21million.