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Arsenal look likely to be without Bukayo Saka for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.
The England international was forced off just 26 minutes into the Gunners’ 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday. He was then spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.
Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta revealed he was “pretty worried” about Saka. This is the winger’s third hamstring injury of the campaign.
Bukayo Saka was forced off against Chelsea.Bukayo Saka was forced off against Chelsea.
Bukayo Saka was forced off against Chelsea. | Getty Images
"He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn't continue," Arteta said. “He will have to be assessed so pretty worried about that one."
Asked if he knew the severity of the problem, Arteta replied: "It's very difficult to do that now. They have tested him but it's very difficult to say how bad it is."
There has been no official update since but according to The Times, Saka is facing between four to six weeks on the sidelines which could rule him out of Newcastle’s visit to the Emirates on the week commencing January 6.
Saka will miss the game against Ipswich Town on Friday, which is the first of ten matches before the end of January. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has called on Gabriel Jesus to step up in Saka’s absence.
"It will be a big loss for Arsenal," Shearer said on Match of the Day. "[They will miss] not only Saka’s goals but his assists which is why I think it is important for Jesus to step up and try to replace him.
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"He was having such a tough time in front of goal, but I think Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit because of what happened in midweek, he gets his goals and you can see the belief he would’ve had in training. He had to start him and it was a wonderful performance and it’s no surprise he was back in the goals.
"His all-around play I thought was very, very good today also. He was bringing players into the game with little touches, going in behind. You can see he’s got a pace about him again and he feels as if he belongs back in the team."
Arteta were already without Raheem Sterling for the visit to Selhurst Park because of a training ground injury on Friday. The on-loan Chelsea winger is undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury
"We don't know how long that is as well," said Arteta. "To lose two players within 24 hours, it's not good. With the amount of games playing every three days, it doesn't surprise me. But the team will react to that."
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