Jack Wilshere has been ruled out of action for three months following ankle surgery.
The Arsenal and England midfielder suffered the injury to his left ankle against Manchester United last weekend and underwent what the club described as “successful surgery” on Thursday to repair the ligaments.
The news comes as a blow to the manager Arsène Wenger, who currently has 10 players sidelined by injury, but an even crueller one for the 22-year-old, who had found top form for club and country recently.
Wilshere also confirmed the operation went well, thanking renowned consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon James Calder, while also expressing a message of positivity on his Instagram account.
He also said his situation was put into perspective by the death of Australia cricketer Phillip Hughes on Thursday, two days after he was struck on the neck by ball while batting.
Wilshere wrote: “Ankle needed surgery in the end, went well thanks to the main man James Calder! Work hard for what you want because it won’t come to you without a fight.
“You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive.”
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He added: “Puts life in perspective when you things like this happen, and makes my injury look like nothing! Thoughts are with Philip Hughes family. Horrible news! RIP.”
Wilshere was replaced by Santi Cazorla in the 55th minute of Saturday’s game at the Emirates Stadium after sustaining the injury following a sliding challenge by United defender Paddy McNair.
The England man sat out Wednesday’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, which saw Arsenal secure their place in the last 16, and he could now miss more than a dozen further matches, including games against Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.
This is the latest injury setback for Wilshere, who has struggled with various problems before and at one point was absent from the Arsenal first team for around 17 months after suffering a stress fracture in his ankle in 2011.
Arsenal also lost their captain Mikel Arteta to a serious calf injury in Wednesday’s Champions League game, while Yaya Sanogo suffered a hamstring complaint.