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Arsenal hit with second injury blow after Bukayo Saka as another star out for 'weeks'

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Raheem Sterling will jon Bukayo Saka on the sidelines as Arsenal's injury problems deepen. Saka, 23, was forced off in the first half on his side's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, and has since been ruled out until February.

Initially, it appeared his absence would pave the way for Sterling to have a regular run in the side, having struggled for game time since his loan move from Chelsea.

But now Arteta has confirmed the ex-England international also has an issue, and won't be available over the festive period.

In his press conference on Monday, the Spaniard said: "He’s (Sterling) gonna be out for weeks. He needs further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of his injury. It’s his knee."

Sterling, 30, has been confined to a bit-part role with the Gunners this season, playing just 11 times in all competitions. He made a rare start in Wednesday's League Cup win against the Eagles, but was withdrawn in the second half.

The news will come as another huge blow to Arteta though, who has already hit out at league organisers over the frantic schedule. His side host Ipswich on December 27, before a trip to Brentford on New Year's Day.

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