Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has offered a timeline for Emile Smith Rowe's recovery after the talented forward underwent successful surgery on a long-term groin injury this week.
Smith Rowe is yet to start a game this term after struggling through pre-season with a recurring issue and is now set for a period on the sidelines as he begins his recovery. The 22-year-old further aggravated a damaged groin tendon in a recovery session following the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this month.
In a statement released on the club's website, it says: "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."
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Speaking ahead of the North London Derby on Saturday, Arteta offered an update on the Arsenal star's recovery time and admitted Smith Rowe must take it 'step by step'. The Spaniard said: "We put all the alternatives on the table.
"We have tried some other (solutions) during the last few months and they haven’t really worked to the point where the player was comfortable and consistently available at his best to perform. Then we decided to take that route. We all thought it was the best decision and we’ll stick to it and move on.
"After a surgery, it’s very difficult to give a timeline. The first process, how his bones heal, how is his first reaction, is he in pain, is he not, how is he adapting? We need to go step by step."
Arteta revealed that the 22-year-old is unlikely to feature for the Gunners until 2023 meaning Smith Rowe will miss the remainder of Arsenal's Europa League group stage games, along with huge clashes against Liverpool and Chelsea. The Gunners boss added: "We know before the World Cup he’s not going to be involved and then we have a break and we have to use it in the right way. We had to make a decision and we could not continue with that uncertainty.
"Do we have him do we not have him? Do we have him or do we have him under certain conditions? We made that decision. The player was the first one demanding that he wanted an end decision and we supported that and now we have to prepare him to get back to where he was."
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