Tom Smith, who played for Salisbury FC on loan from Arsenal, has returned to the London club due to a knee injury.
Smith sustained the injury against Hartley Wintney at the weekend when saving a late attempt by the visitors.
Arsenal’s medical staff said: “Tom has torn his cartilage in his knee (Medial Meniscus). He has also sustained ligament damage in his ankle.”
“He is due to see a knee specialist this afternoon, but it is likely that he will require surgery in his knee. We won’t know if his ankle will require surgery, for the next week or so. He is likely to be absent from training for 8-12 weeks minimum, and will remain with us until his is fully fit.”
Arsenal have since cancelled the Youth Loan arrangement with the Whites.
Salisbury wished the young keeper a speedy recovery and good future progress in the game.
Manager Steve Claridge said: “After the game Tom thanked me personally for the opportunity he had been given with us, but really it’s for us to thank him, as he fully bought in to what we are trying to do and did very well during his spell here.”
Picture by Roger Elliott.