Arsenal Winger Saka to Be Out for ‘Several Weeks,’ According to Arteta

In a significant blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old England international sustained the injury during Saturday’s emphatic 5-1 triumph against Crystal Palace, an encounter marked by his notable contributions before he was forced to leave Selhurst Park on crutches—a sight that elicited palpable concern among Gunners supporters.

This season, Saka has been nothing short of brilliant, tallying an impressive nine goals and providing 13 assists in just 24 appearances, a testament to his pivotal role in the squad’s attacking prowess.

Arteta’s assessment was stark: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.” The gravity of the situation cannot be understated; the loss of such a dynamic player will undoubtedly challenge the Gunners’ depth and cohesion moving forward.

With characteristic resilience, Arteta remarked, “It’s a huge blow but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.” This mindset will be crucial as Arsenal navigates the busy festive schedule.

When probed further on the nature of Saka’s injury, Arteta confirmed, “Yes. Probably there are ways to prevent the injury. There are a lot of factors. We are looking at everything and what we can do differently.” This introspective approach highlights the club’s commitment to safeguarding player welfare, especially amidst a congested fixture list.

As for Saka’s emotional state, Arteta revealed that he was “gutted” and “really emotional” after coming to terms with the seriousness of his predicament—a sentiment shared by fans and teammates alike.

Adding to Arsenal’s woes, Arteta also confirmed that Raheem Sterling will join Saka on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury. With the winter transfer window looming, the pressure now mounts for Arsenal to solidify their squad depth.

The Gunners are set to face Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium on December 27 (20:15 GMT kick-off), a clash that now takes on added significance as they seek to maintain momentum in Saka’s absence.