Long Road to Recovery for Smith Following Surgery

Broken Leg
By Chris O'Brien
February 24 2006

Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith appears to be on the road to recovery following his horrific leg injury sustained against Liverpool last weekend. The 25-year-old has gone through successful surgery on a broken leg and badly twisted ankle, and now faces a long lay-off in the treatment room.

Alan Smith has had a successful operation following his horrific left injury sustained at Anfield, and is now eyeing-up a swift road to recovery.

The former Leeds star sustained a broken leg and a horribly twisted ankle after trying to block a John Arne Riise free-kick in the closing moments of last Saturday's 1-0 F.A Cup defeat against the Scousers. There were fears that the 25-year-old would be forced into early retirement from the professional game, but hopes are now in favour of a courageous comeback.

"The operation was a success and Alan will stay in hospital for a couple of days." confirmed a club statement.

"The leg will be in plaster for several weeks and everyone connected with the club is wishing Alan all the best for a speedy recovery."

Early indications suggest that the versatile midfielder will be sidelined for at least nine months following recent surgery. However, the tenacious Englishman remains optimistic that he will make a swift and full recovery from the injury that left players and officials in a state of shock as he lay in agony on the Anfield turf.

"When I looked, the leg was lying one way and my ankle was pointing towards Hong Kong so I knew I was in serious trouble," admitted Smith. "But the doctors are very positive, I've had an operation and now it's a question of starting on the road back."

Injuries as severe as this really put the game of football into perspective. It brings back sad memories of career-ending injuries sustained by the likes of Coventry City's David Busst, and everybody at ManUtdWeb wishes Smith a safe and speedy recovery.