Emile Smith Rowe out indefinitely as he undergoes surgery

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: A dejected Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 4, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: A dejected Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 4, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal have revealed that Emile Smith Rowe underwent surgery to repair a damaged groin tendon which has kept him out for much of the 2022/23 season thus far.

Smith Rowe missed almost the entirety of the Gunners’ pre-season as a result of the issue, and he hadn’t started a game in the Premier League before he pulled up in the warm-down after the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United at the start of September.

Smith Rowe has been a distinct bright spark of Mikel Arteta’s tenure thus far and he enjoyed a breakout 2021/22 season as he scored ten times in the Premier League.

Emile Smith Rowe out indefinitely as he undergoes surgery

Arteta confirmed after the United defeat that Smith Rowe had been struggling with a groin injury and the decision was made for the player to undergo surgery to fix the issue.

The club released a statement on Thursday which read: “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.”

As a result, Smith Rowe is out indefinitely but the club are hopeful that the midfielder will make his return to action after the winter World Cup.

“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.

“Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Emile to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible,” Arsenal concluded.

Smith Rowe’s impressive start to the 2021/22 season saw him earn his maiden England call-up and subsequent cap last Autumn. Had his impressive form continued at the start of the new campaign, he certainly would’ve been in contention for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad. A nagging groin injury, however, ended that dream.

The 22-year-old will hopefully return to action in the new year. A fit and firing Emile Smith Rowe is a joy to behold.