Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe faces another spell on the sidelines weeks after picking up a knee injury.

Arteta admits he is 'worried' by Smith Rowe's knee problem after the midfielder missed Arsenal's loss to West Ham in the Carabao Cup, with the Gunners facing injury worries. 

The news is a big blow for the 23-year-old academy graduate who had been finding his way back into form feet following an injury-plagued season last term.  

Smith Rowe started Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday, his first in the Premier League for exactly 524 days.

He had been expected to start again in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie at West Ham, which an under-par Arsenal side lost 3-1 - but was omitted from the squad.

Arteta confirmed after the match Smith Rowe has a knee injury and will be out of action.

“He’s got an injury in his knee and he’s going to be out for weeks,” said Arteta.

Arsenal have already struggled with injuries this season, with Thomas Partey sidelined with a thigh injury - with a return not expected until December.

Striker Gabriel Jesus is also in the Gunners treatment room after suffering a hamstring against Sevilla last week - with the Brazilian set to be out of action until after this month's forthcoming international break.