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Bukayo Saka lasted just 23 minutes for Arsenal at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that he was ‘pretty worried’ about Bukayo Saka after the forward picked up a hamstring injury in the fixture against Crystal Palace.
The Gunners are back in action on Friday as they host Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium before making the short trip to West London to take on Brentford on New Year's Day. The fixtures then continue to come thick and fast in January with FA Cup and Champions League commitments to juggle, as well as Premier League outings.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted only time would tell about Saka’s injury but appeared to fear a lay-off with the player seen leaving the stadium on crutches. He said: “He felt something in his hamstring. He couldn’t continue and will have to be assessed.
“Pretty worried about that one. They will test it, it’s difficult to say how bad it is. Two lose two players in 24 hours [Raheem Sterling as well] is not good.
“Unfortunately with the amount of games we are playing, every three days with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me but the team will react to that.”
The victory over Crystal Palace made it seven league fixtures unbeaten for Arteta's side, who scored five goals for the second time this term. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring with a brace while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice all also found themselves on the scoresheet.
There will be many positives for Arteta to take into Christmas but the problem picked up by Saka is cause for concern. The England international has impressed this season with nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions already.
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Jesus' first league goals and a return to form comes at a good time should Saka be absent from action for a prolonged period. Speaking on Sky Sports, pundit Jamie Redknapp said: "To see Jesus playing and with a smile on his face is great. We know his quality, and he has never been the most prolific. He probably missed the two easier ones than the ones he scored!
"It just helps them out a lot because we don't know if Saka is going to be out or how long for now too."
The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from Arsenal in January with the Gunners linked with a move for forwards including Viktor Gyokeres, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Evan Ferguson. However, speaking after full time, it was a message of determination that came from Jesus.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace.Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
He said: “Obviously the first goal was very important early. The way we started, the full team was really ready to play well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know it is always difficult to come here. We did the job and I am very happy with the goals as a number nine, I know the pressure is always on to score. I am happy but the win, the three points, was massive today.
“I’m the type of guy that wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my mind I know I can score, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. I put two in the net and missed one I will be dreaming of. When I play with a smile on my face everything is different so I am trying to keep my mind strong and just help the team. I understand I have to be more in the box to finish the action.
"It is great to be back in the team playing more. I am experienced enough and know when a player is playing constantly it is different. I am happy to get more chances but it is up to me to put myself in the right places to score. It is Arsenal, it is a huge club and I know the pressure for the number nine to score is there."
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