Bukayo Saka pulled up with a hamstring injury in the first half against Crystal Palace on Saturday, putting a dampener on Arsenal's comfortable 5-1 Premier League win ahead of Christmas
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts as he waits to receive medical treatment after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England.
Bukayo Saka is now out for some time with a hamstring injury
(
Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Gary Lineker has understandably dubbed Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury as a "big loss" for Arsenal.
The winger, 23, has been crucial for the Gunners once again this season, scoring five goals and providing a massive 10 assists already in just 16 appearances so far in the Premier League. However, he pulled up in the 24th minute against Palace on Saturday, and was forced off with what looked like a muscle strain.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed it was a hamstring injury – although it is not yet clear how serious the problem is – following his team's comfortable 5-1 win, where back-in-form striker Gabriel Jesus scored a brace inside 15 minutes just days after his Carabao Cup hat-trick at home to the same opposition.
And now, Alan Shearer has claimed that the former Manchester City forward will have to step up and be counted for as Arsenal continue their charge for silverware in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. Jesus looks set to be one of the players Arteta will have to turn to in order to fill the void likely left by Saka in the coming weeks.
Mikel Arteta shares concerning Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal star left on crutches
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While on Match of the Day on Saturday night, Lineker brought up the injury to Saka as he said: "A word on Bukayo Saka. It looked like a bad one but we saw him walking off on crutches later on didn't we? That's a big loss for Arsenal."
Shearer agreed, and then noted how important it will be to see goals from other areas of the pitch – especially from Jesus.
The Premier League icon said: "It would be a big loss for Arsenal. When you look at the list, not only Saka's goals but his assists, which is why it is more important I think for Gabriel Jesus to step up and try and replace him."
Lineker echoed these sentiments by adding: "A difficult job."
Saka is a crucial part of Arsenal's attack (
Image:
BBC)
A graphic shown on the BBC's highlights show pointed out Saka's clear importance to Arsenal. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in 1,275 minutes of football, averaging a strike every 255 minutes.
The only other person higher on this list is number nine Kai Havertz – who, with the same appearances and slightly more minutes, has six goals.
Arteta has confirmed fans fears of Saka potentially being out for a long period of time in his post-match press conference, noting that the club are "really worried".
The 42-year-old said of Saka: "He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue, and he’ll have to be assessed. So, we’re really worried about that one. It’s very difficult to [say] now – they have tested him inside but very difficult to say how bad it is."
The young winger pulled up early in the first half ( Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The Spaniard was also open about his frustration surrounding injuries amongst his squad, with fellow attacker Raheem Sterling also now sidelined for some time.
Arteta added: "Raheem as well, we lost Raheem yesterday. 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."
Fans have shown their own worries on social media surrounding the mystery of Saka's injury, as one said: "Bukayo Saka was on course for an all timer season, 22G/A not even half way through the season and unbelievable creative numbers, I hate football man."
Another added: "That's concerning news about Bukayo Saka! A hamstring injury can be serious, especially with him leaving on crutches. Hopefully, it's not too severe, and he gets the proper treatment. Arsenal fans will be hoping for a quick recovery. Fingers crossed for good news!"