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Bukayo Saka ruled out for ‘many weeks’ as Mikel Arteta admits ‘it’s not looking good’ for Arsenal star

The forward was substituted early against Crystal Palace after suffering a hamstring injury

Arsenal have suffered a significant injury blow with Bukayo Saka set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring issue.

Saka was substituted just 24 minutes into the weekend win over Crystal Palace after sustaining the problem.

Manager Mikel Arteta suggested he was fearing a long lay-off after the 5-1 win and has now confirmed that the Arsenal star is set for “many weeks” out with a torn hamstring.

“It’s not looking good,” Arteta said of Saka’s injury ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Ipswich. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.

“It’s a huge blow but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”

Saka has been in sparkling recent form to keep Arsenal’s hopes of a title tilt alive. The London club trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points and have played a game more than Arne Slot’s side.

His absence comes at a particularly hectic time, too, with Saka likely to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle and FA Cup third round clash with Manchester United early in January.

The 23-year-old also seems set to be ruled out of the north London derby on 15 January.

Arteta also confirmed that Raheem Sterling, a potential alternative to Saka in the forward line, will miss a few weeks of action. The former England international injured himself in training ahead of the Crystal Palace game.

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