Arsenal have shared an update regarding the fitness situation of Emile Smith Rowe.
As Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to take on their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, the Gunners’ official website shared an update about the 22-year-old.
What’s the news?
The club stated: “In recent months, Emile Smith Rowe has been experiencing discomfort in his groin, which has limited his training and match appearances.
“Following a significant setback at our Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 4, and after further specialist consultations and discussions with our medical team, Emile underwent surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin.
“This successful surgery took place in London in the past few days and Emile’s rehabilitation programme is already underway. We are hopeful that Emile will return to full training in December.”
Big setback for Arsenal
Even though the 22-year-old hadn’t started a league game for Arsenal this season, having him out of action until December will still be a massive blow for the club and for Arteta, as the youngster’s performances last season proved.
With 33 league appearances to his name, the midfielder scored 10 goals and delivered two assists, in addition to posting the highest percentage of shots on target (57.5%) and the second-highest number of successful dribbles (32) at the club.
Bearing in mind how Arsenal will not only have to get through their next round of Premier League fixtures without Smith Rowe, but also their Europa League group games, not having the midfielder available for selection will surely be a worry for Arteta, who will presumably need to rotate his players throughout this hectic period of 13 matches in 43 days.
While one positive can be taken by the possible resolution of the groin issue with surgery, mitigating the chances of it affecting him long-term, it will still be a setback for Arsenal to have the player out of action for the next few months.
