Gary Lineker has expressed concern over Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury, referring to it as a "big loss" for Arsenal.
The 23-year-old winger has been instrumental for the Gunners this campaign, having contributed significantly with five goals and an impressive 10 assists in just 16 Premier League games. However, in the latest match against Palace, he was forced off at the 24th minute, appearing to have suffered a muscle strain.
Following Arsenal's emphatic 5-1 victory, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the injury was indeed to Saka's hamstring, but the full extent of the issue remains unknown. On a bright note, though, the win marked Gabriel Jesus' striking return to form, where he netted twice in the first 15 minutes, adding to his Carabao Cup hat-trick against the same team.
Shearer appeared alongside Lineker on Match of the Day to point out that Jesus must now rise to the challenge and contribute even more as Arsenal push forward in their quest for glory in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. With Saka possibly sidelined for some time, Arteta may well look towards the former Manchester City forward as one of the key players to compensate for the young star's absence.
On the BBC programme, Lineker highlighted the predicament with 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 emphasised the necessity for Arsenal to find goals from across the team, highlighting the role Jesus will need to play, and also shows just how reliant the Gunners are on the 23-year-old England winger going forward.
The 54-year-old 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."
Gary Lineker simply stated: "A difficult job."
The show also highlighted Saka's vital contribution to Arsenal, spotlighting his tally of five goals in 1,275 minutes on the pitch, netting on average every 255 minutes. Sitting just above him in that statistic is forward Kai Havertz, matching the number of matches played while amassing slightly more minutes, and scoring six goals.
Match of the Day.
The graphic shows how important Saka is to the Arsenal team (Image: BBC)
Following the match, Arteta shared his concern during the press conference about Saka's condition. He said: "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."
Additionally, Arteta didn't hide his frustration with the squad's injury woes, particularly as striker Raheem Sterling joins the list of those out of action.
The Spaniard said: "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."
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives 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.
The talented winger could be facing some time out on the sidelines (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The uncertainties regarding Bukayo Saka's condition have sparked reactions from supporters across social media. One fan wrote on X: "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!"
The absence of these pivotal figures is clearly being felt among the Gunners' fanbase, with hopes pinned on positive updates concerning their fitness.