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.