England bowler Jofra Archer flew from the Indian Premier League to Belgium earlier this month to see a specialist in a bid to overcome his latest nagging elbow injury.
Archer missed four matches for the Mumbai Indians after experiencing discomfort in his right elbow before returning to action against Punjab Kings on Saturday. He was rested for yesterday’s loss against Gujarat Titans but is expected to play in Mumbai’s next game on Sunday.
The Telegraph have reported that the 28-year-old quick underwent minor surgery in Antwerp during his absence, though the England & Wales Cricket Board have not confirmed the exact nature of his treatment.
Archer’s troublesome elbow has caused him consistent problems in recent years following a stress fracture in 2021 that saw him ruled out of that year’s T20 World Cup and Ashes tour to Australia.
The 28-year-old made a successful England return earlier this year after 22 months without international cricket, featuring on the white-ball tours of South Africa and Bangladesh and is still hoping to play some part in this summer’s Ashes series.
However, the Sussex man has not played competitive red-ball cricket since turning out against Kent in May 2021 and had been planning to build up his workload at the IPL.
Speaking to ESPN last week, Archer suggested setbacks were to be expected after his lengthy absence.
“There are going to be moments where it feels a lot more serious than it actually is,” he added. “I don’t know which game will be the next game, but I’m just trying to put myself in the best position possible [to play].
“To be honest, I still want to bowl fast and stuff - but when you feel good, you bowl good. I just want to focus on feeling good at the minute.”
