Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe could require surgery on his groin injury, according to a worrying claim from injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Smith Rowe out injured

The 22-year-old has been dealing with the issue for a number of months but he broke down last weekend following the Gunners' 3-1 defeat away to Manchester United.

Smith Rowe was seen limping off the pitch at Old Trafford after attempting his post-match warm down, in what was a troubling sight for Arsenal fans.

A new claim has since emerged, and it's one which could worry the Emirates Stadium faithful.

The Latest: Surgery could be required

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery claimed that Smith Rowe could need surgery on his groin problem, questioning Arsenal's efforts to deal with the issue thus far.

He stated of the 22-year-old:

"There has been concern about his groin stretching back to December 2021. It hampered him throughout the second half of last season and over the close season. I am a bit surprised that this hasn’t been addressed up until this point.

"Maybe the ongoing efforts to manage this conservatively aren’t working. Maybe this latest setback may plant further seeds to say they have to go down the surgical route to address this problem.

"It’s highly unusual to get an injury in post-match situations."

The Verdict: Injuries proving an issue

Smith Rowe is such a talented footballer with huge promise - he has been described as a 'difference maker' by former Arsenal team-mate Mesut Ozil and chipped in with 10 Premier League goals last season - but injuries continue to hold him back.

The Englishman has duly struggled for game-time in the early weeks of the current campaign, playing just 47 minutes so far; and surgery would mean a lengthy spell out of the team at just the wrong time, with Mikel Arteta's side already blighted by enforced absences elsewhere in their midfield.

It could be for the best in the long run, though, with surgery possibly dealing with the problem once and for all and hopefully allowing Smith Rowe to ultimately return at full tilt.