Bukayo Saka
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over the injury to Bukayo Saka after the Gunners secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Saka, who appeared to suffer a hamstring injury while crossing the ball, was substituted midway through the first half and went straight down the tunnel after receiving treatment. The 23-year-old was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, raising fears over his availability during Arsenal’s busy festive fixture schedule.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said: “We are pretty worried about Saka’s injury. He grabbed his hamstring and couldn’t continue. We don’t know the extent of the injury yet, but we’re pretty worried. Let’s hope it’s not too much.”
READ MORE: Arsenal star leaves Selhurst Park on crutches after win over Crystal Palace
The Arsenal boss added during his Match of the Day interview: “He felt something. It is too early to assess him. It was a precaution with him right now.”
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka sustained a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace (Image credit: Getty Images)
Saka’s injury compounds Arsenal’s growing list of fitness concerns, with Raheem Sterling also sidelined. Sterling, who joined on loan from Chelsea and was seen as a potential backup for Saka, missed Saturday’s game due to an issue picked up in training on Friday.
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Despite these setbacks, Arsenal produced a scintillating performance to overwhelm Crystal Palace. Gabriel Jesus was the star of the show, netting twice to break his 11-month Premier League goal drought, just days after scoring a hat-trick against the same opposition in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Gabriel Martinelli added a third goal before halftime to give Arsenal a comfortable lead, and second-half strikes from Kai Havertz and substitute Declan Rice sealed an emphatic win. Although Palace showed flashes of promise early in the second half, the Gunners maintained control to secure three vital points.
Arteta now faces the challenge of managing his squad through a packed December schedule, with Arsenal’s next match at home against Ipswich Town, followed by a trip to Brentford.
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