FIT-again Emile Smith Rowe believes that Sunday’s trip to Tottenham “couldn’t come at a better time” for high-flying Arsenal, who will be looking to prove their title credentials by beating their north London rivals on their own patch.

Having successfully recovered from groin surgery, Smith Rowe made his first appearance for the Gunners since September on Monday night when he came on as a 75th-minute substitute in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Oxford United.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to be back on the bench at the weekend, but insists he is “itching” to play, and looking to “make an impact” when called upon by the Premier League leaders.

Smith Rowe said: “I can’t wait, and the lads can’t wait as well. I think a win would be massive for us.

“It couldn’t come at a better time. We are feeling really good at the moment. All the boys know what it means to play in these kinds of games. I’ve been itching to get out there and play with the boys. I hope I can make an impact and I hope we can have a great rest of the season.”

Smith Rowe also opened up about his injury issues – shocking fans by revealing that the groin problem that has been plaguing him has been a long-standing affliction that has been causing him issues for almost four years.

He said: “A lot of people might not know, but I have had this injury since I was 18/19.

“It has been quite hard to deal with it over the years. But I am really happy that it is finally over. I had a successful surgery and I am really feeling really good.”

Praising the support that he has received from manager Mikel Arteta and his teammates, Smith Rowe added: “The whole team was around me. [Arteta] really helped me, and obviously I had my family back home supporting me.

“So it was really tough, but I managed to get through it and I’m just happy I’m fully fit now.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal look set to finally win the battle to sign Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The 22-year-old is thought to be Arteta’s first-choice signing during the January transfer window as the Arsenal boss looks to strengthen his squad in the pursuit of their unexpected Premier League title challenge.

London rivals Chelsea were also believed to be showing an interest in the player, but having completed a loan deal with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix, Arsenal are now expected to have a free run at Mudryk, who travelled to Turkey this week to take part in a mid-season training camp.

Talks between the Gunners and Shakhtar Donetsk are continuing.