Emile Smith Rowe
FUL
Attacking Midfielder
Shadow Striker
Jul 28, 2000 (26)
Right
6'0"
174 lb
Remains out Saturday
Smith Rowe (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Coventry City.
Analysis: Smith Rowe is not ready to return from the fitness issue that kept him out against Hull City last Saturday. Despite coach Alvaro Arbeloa's encouraging update, the attacking midfielder misses a second straight match. His absence reduces Fulham's depth behind Josh King at No. 10, with Tom Cairney another midfield option. Smith Rowe remains at 41 minutes across four Premier League appearances this season, alongside two Carabao Cup starts.
Available after recent fitness issue
Smith Rowe (undisclosed) is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Coventry City after overcoming the fitness issues that contributed to his absence against Hull City last Saturday, according to coach Alvaro Arbeloa, per Jack Kelly of Fulhamish. "It's been a good week for everyone. Everyone is available for tomorrow. We have a training session later. ESR had some issues last Friday."
Analysis: Smith Rowe appears to have recovered from the undisclosed fitness issue that affected him ahead of last weekend's Premier League encounter against Hull City. The attacking midfielder was left out of the matchday squad, initially raising questions about whether his absence was a tactical decision, but coach Arbeloa has now confirmed that he had been dealing with physical problems last Friday. His availability for Saturday's clash against Coventry represents a positive development, although his playing time remains uncertain given his limited involvement this season. Smith Rowe has featured for just 41 minutes across four Premier League appearances, while starting both of Fulham's Carabao Cup matches. Josh King remains the preferred option in the No. 10 role, with Tom Cairney also providing competition for midfield minutes. Despite returning to full fitness, Smith Rowe may have to settle for a place on the bench as he looks to regain a more prominent role in the squad.
Dropped of squad
Smith Rowe has been left out of Fulham's squad for Saturday's Premier League clash against Hull City, likely due to a tactical decision following Tom Cairney's return from injury.
Analysis: Smith Rowe continues to struggle for playing time at Fulham, having featured for just 41 minutes across four Premier League appearances this season. The attacking midfielder has started both of the club's Carabao Cup matches but remains behind Josh King in the league pecking order, with the latter establishing himself as the preferred option in the No. 10 role. Tom Cairney's return from injury adds further competition for midfield minutes and appears to have contributed to Smith Rowe's omission from Saturday's matchday squad. With no injury concerns reported, his absence looks to be a coaching decision rather than a fitness-related issue. Smith Rowe will need to work his way back into contention, although his opportunities could remain limited as long as King and Cairney are available.
Limited to backup role
Smith Rowe has played just 38 minutes across three Premier League appearances this season, though he has started both of Fulham's Carabao Cup matches.
Analysis: Smith Rowe has been limited to a reserve role in the Premier League, with Josh King established ahead of him as the preferred attacking midfielder. His two Carabao Cup starts have provided the majority of his playing time, while his league involvement has been restricted to brief substitute appearances. With King making a strong start to the season, Smith Rowe could find it difficult to earn a larger Premier League role unless the current hierarchy changes.
Back on bench
Smith Rowe (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Burnley.
Analysis: Smith Rowe is named on the bench for Saturday's clash against the Clarets after missing the previous match due to an injury suffered in training last week. He returned to training with the group during the week but is eased back into action as a substitute option. He will likely still feature later in the game depending on how it unfolds.
Spotted in training
Smith Rowe (undisclosed) was spotted in training Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's game against Burnley, according to Fulham reporter Jack Kelly.
Analysis: Smith Rowe didn't play in Sunday's scoreless draw against Forest after suffering an injury in training last week, but seeing him back with the group suggests he should be back to face the Clarets. Smith Rowe has seen a dip in his numbers compared to the 2024/25 season, though, as he only has three goals and no assists in 29 appearances (16 starts) in 2025/26.
Suffers issue in training
Smith Rowe (undisclosed) missed Sunday's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest due to suffering an issue in team training, according to coach Marco Silva, per Jack Kelly from Fulhamish.
Analysis: Smith Rowe picked up a knock in team training last week and ultimately sat out Sunday's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest as he wasn't fully fit to feature. This is a tough hit for the Cottagers since Smith Rowe is a locked-in starter in the attack when healthy, and if he ends up missing time a shake-up in the starting XI will be required, with Josh King the most likely option to step in as the number 10.
One shot in loss
Smith Rowe recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Smith Rowe recorded a fifth straight game without a goal contribution Wednesday, only recording a shot in his 60 minutes of play. He has started in 14 of his 26 appearances so far, recording three goals on 25 shots but has yet to earn an assist.
Good to go
Smith Rowe (undisclosed) is an option for Saturday's match against Brighton, according to manager Marco Silva, per Jack Kelly of Fullhamish. "ESR - some fatigue last week, he's in contention this weekend."
Analysis: Smith Rowe had to leave the field early last match and is now back as an option, ready to face the Seagulls on Saturday. The club will be happy he is an option and missing no time, as he is starter, having yet to miss a start since Dec. 2. He will look to return to the starting role immediately, with three goals during that span.
Will be assessed
Smith Rowe picked up a blow during Saturday's 1-0 loss to Leeds United, after which coach Marco Silva said they "will assess ESR", Jack Kelly of Fulhamish reports.
Analysis: Smith Rowe operated on the left flank Saturday and was replaced by Josh King after getting hurt. After scoring three goals over a string of 10 starts in all competitions, Smith Rowe could be at risk of missing upcoming weeks, but the severity of the injury has not been confirmed.
Opens scoring in win
Smith Rowe scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 win against Burnley.
Analysis: Simth Rowe arrived with exquisite timing at the near post Saturday to knock-in Fulham's first goal in their 3-2 road victory over Burnley. The goal marks the attacking-midfielder's third of the season and second across his last three appearances (three starts). After making just one start in league play across 13 appearances between Aug. and Nov., Smith Rowe has now been named to the starting XI in each of Fulham's three Dec. league fixtures. Saturdays's 89-minute shift marked his longest outing of the campaign.
Scores before halftime
Smith Rowe scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) in Tuesday's 5-4 loss against Manchester City.
Analysis: Smith Rowe would spark something in Fulham to kick it into another gear when he scored their first goal of the match, scoring in injury time of the first half. This comes in his first start in four appearances, his second goal contribution of the season. His other also came as a goal, scoring in the second match of the season.
On bench Saturday
Smith Rowe (hamstring) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Smith Rowe picked up a minor hamstring injury against Newcastle United and wasn't fully cleared to start this weekend. Coach Marco Silva included him in the matchday squad, but he begins on the bench as a precaution. The attacking midfielder could still feature later in the game depending on how it unfolds.
In contention to play Saturday
Smith Rowe (hamstring) will be in contention to play against Wolverhampton on Saturday, manager Marco Silva told media during Friday's pre-match press conference. "[Emile] Smith Rowe is going to be in contention for the game as well."
Analysis: The playmaker suffered a minor hamstring injury against Newcastle United, but Silva didn't rule him out for this game, and a late fitness test might be needed to determine whether he'll be available this weekend. If Smith Rowe isn't available, then Josh King would be operate in a playmaking role.
Picks up minor hamstring injury
Smith Rowe has suffered a minor hamstring injury, accoridng to manager Marco Silva, per Jack Kelly of Fulhamish.
Analysis: Smith Rowe could be in line for a bit of recovery this week, as the midfieleder picked up a hamstring injury after coming off at halftime of Saturday's match against Newcastle. He had just earned his first start all season, so this is a rough development, possibly set to miss a bit of time to recover. Even if he is fit for their next contest, the midfielder is unlikely to see a major role and should continue as a depth option, starting in one of his nine appearances this season.
Scores equalizer Sunday
Smith Rowe scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: Smith Rowe subbed onto the pitch in the 71st minute Sunday and just two minutes later tied the match up at one apiece with a nice strike assisted by Alex Iwobi. It marked his first goal of the young campaign as he has come off the bench in each of the first two matches.
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