Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe has been struggling with a niggling injury since the start of the season, and its severity was enough for club doctors to recommend surgery.
It has been a frustrating few weeks for the 22-year-old, who has been plagued with a persist groin injury as well as illness, thus hampering his chances of featuring more prominently this season.
The club this afternoon confirmed he has undergone surgery to try and nullify the discomfort felt in recent weeks, which was exacerbated by a setback in the warm-down following the Gunners’ defeat to Manchester United earlier this month.
The fleet-footed attacking midfielder now faces an unfortunate rehab period, with Arsenal hopeful he may be fit enough to return to training by December, around the time the Qatar World Cup will draw to a close. While a less than favourable bump in the road for the youngster, the international break for the World Cup means he won’t miss out on an excessive amount of club fixtures.
Arsenal confirm that Emile Smith Rowe has undergone surgery "to repair a damaged tendon in his groin". The club say they hope Smith Rowe will return to full training in December.
Big blow to him, but hopefully this will get the issue sorted once and for all.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) September 29, 2022
“It’s very frustrating. He’s a kid that loves playing football. It’s the biggest thing in his life. And when he’s not capable of doing that, especially after the run of games and performances that he had with us the year before, it’s just difficult,” manager Mikel Arteta said.
“When he’s been trying to train he’s not been feeling 100 percent fit or pain free. This is the main concern and we have to find a solution to that. We’re trying.”
Restricted to just four bit-part appearances in all competitions so far this season, Smith-Rowe will be hoping the decision to undergo surgery will propel him into contention for a starting spot in the new year.
He enjoyed a hugely impressive season during last year’s campaign, registering 10 goals and two assists in the league despite only making nine full-90 minute appearances.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window business will hold them in good stead however after bringing in Fabio Vieira from Porto, which looks to be a shrewd acquisition after a dazzling display against Brentford before the latest international break.
The Gunners welcome Tottenham in a crucial early-season North London derby this weekend, so it is worth checking out our list of the best football betting sites.
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