Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update - in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everyone,
First, on behalf of the medical team, I would like to wish the Joint-Chairman David Sullivan all the best after he underwent surgery this week.
Winning our first ever Premier League game at the London Stadium was something everyone enjoyed at the weekend, especially with after suffering a 'wave' of injuries in the last two weeks. Once again the manager, the strong team spirit and the positive attitude of the whole club proved to be essential.
We picked up a few knocks and bruises on Sunday but no new serious injuries.
To continue with the positive news, there is light at the end of the tunnel with regard to Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet.
Both Dimi and Manuel trained hard on the pitch on Monday and Tuesday. They will be available for selection very soon.
Aaron Cresswell is doing very well in his rehab, working hard with head physiotherapist Dominic Rogan twice a day.
He is now walking normally and we will concentrate on improving mobility, stability and strength in the muscles around the knee.
Andre Ayew suffered a rare but very serious thigh injury at Chelsea, which will take time to recover from. Andre will not have surgery and we have started the rehab straight away, working two times a day.
Andre is a highly professional athlete with a positive attitude that no doubt will affect the return to play date. It is early to put a time-line on the rehab, but we are positive to reintroduce him in December.
Unfortunately, Andy Carroll, after his first good pre-season in many years, injured his knee in the game against Astra Giurgiu in Romania last week.
It was an incident where he passed the ball and then slipped on a difficult playing surface, over-stretching his knee.
Andy has been an example at the training ground this season, working hard on the pitch and in the gym, but the reality is that he will be out for 4-6 weeks. One should not underestimate the mental challenge that comes with a physical injury. Andy cannot wait to start going again and he will come back strong!
Sofiane Feghouli injured his thigh against Juventus at the new Stadium. Soso will be back for our next game in the London Stadium against Watford. He will miss the international duty with Algeria, but train hard with the team.
The international break gives us time to train hard and maximise availability and fitness of our team.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science