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Arteta delivers Saka update as Arsenal star is spotted on crutches

Bukayo Saka’s landmark Arsenal appearance ended earlier than he would have liked.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is worried about Bukayo Saka after the winger limped off during the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.

The winger, on his landmark 250th appearance for the club, held his hand up instantly as soon as he crossed the ball into the box and after being replaced by Leandro Trossard, headed straight down the tunnel for treatment with a suspected hamstring issue.

Speaking after the game, Arteta confirmed it is indeed a hamstring problem and expressed concern over the severity.

"He felt something in his hamstring,” the Spaniard told reporters. “Pretty worried about that one."

Furthermore, the England international was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches which will place his involvement for the rest of the festive period and beyond in serious doubt.

Arsenal welcome Ipswich Town to the Emirates Stadium next Friday before kicking off the new year with a trip to Brentford.

Then they have Brighton away before a succession of home games including an FA Cup third round tie against Manchester United, a Carabao Cup semi-final date with Newcastle United and the North London derby.

Saka’s injury was the one negative on an otherwise perfect evening for the Gunners as they returned to winning ways in the Premier League following back-to-back draws against Fulham and Everton.

Gabriel Jesus got the ball rolling with a brace either side of Ismaila Sarr’s equaliser. Those two goals capped off a fine week for the Brazilian having scored a hat-trick in the cup tie between the two sides.

Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a two-goal cushion before the half-time break with Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice striking in the second half to round off a five-star performance.

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