Explained: Why Emile Smith Rowe is absent from the Arsenal squad for West Ham Carabao Cup clash

The midfielder was involved as Arsenal dismantled Sheffield United 5-0 at the weekend - his only start in the Premier League this season. However, he was not named among the squad for the midweek clash against fellow Londoners West Ham.

The loss of the 23-year-old will add further concern for Gunners coach Arteta, as he is already without defender Jurrien Timber, midfielder Thomas Partey and attacker Gabriel Jesus due to injuries.

The Spaniard confirmed that Smith Rowe has sustained a knee issue and admitted it is a "big worry" for the academy graduate.

"We’ve got an issue with him. He felt something in his knee and he started to feel some pain after the game and we are assessing it but yeah, a big worry with him," he told Sky Sports.

Smith Rowe will hope to be back in action soon with Arsenal coming up against Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend.