Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling could both be set for spells out of action through injury, according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts after picking up an injury, before receiving medical treatment and later leaving the field, during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Bukayo Saka was forced off early on in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Raheem Sterling not available to replace him.
Mikel Arteta admitted afterwards that he’s concerned about both players, and particularly Saka.
“He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue, and he’ll have to be assessed,” Arteta said. “So, we’re really worried about that one.
“They have tested him inside but very difficult to say how bad it is.”
crystal palace fc v arsenal fc premier league 2
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
“And Raheem as well, we lost Raheem yesterday,” Arteta continued. “We don’t know for how long as well. So, to lose two players in 24 hours is not good.
“Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing every three days with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me but the team will react to that.”
In a further worrying sign, Saka was seen leaving the stadium on crutches. This was his third hamstring injury of the season, having previously injured it for England against Greece on October 10th and for Arsenal against Chelsea on November 10th.
Bukayo Saka on crutches after Arsenal's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace
Bukayo Saka on crutches after Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace
Physio Scout report that the use of crutches and Saka’s reaction points towards a muscle strain, rather than just tightness. That would mean at least a couple of weeks out, but it could mean as much as 10 weeks out depending on the severity of the strain.
Scans will be necessary to confirm the extent of the issue, but there’s certainly little expectation Saka will be back for next Friday’s game against Ipswich Town.
As for Sterling, we’ll have to await further updates, with little information available as to the nature and severity of his issue right now.
Related Posts