Sobers Puts Arsenal Youngster Out Till 2005

Last updated : 24 February 2004 By Site Editor
Sobers went in for a challenge on Smith whilst on trial for Town prior to signing for the club full time two weeks ago and was booked for the offence when the two sides met for a reserves clash.

Since then it's turned out that Smith, who in his short career so far has played three times for Arsenal's first team, suffered a cruciate ligament injury due to the tackle which will rule him out until the new year.

Speaking of the tackle Town reserves boss Steve McCall admitted he felt it was not a bad one: "We are very upset for the lad - I didn't realise it was that serious - but it was an honest tackle by Jerome. It was early in the game and he was caught out by the Arsenal lad's pace."