Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is out for 'many weeks' according to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after the England winger hobbled off injured during their weekend clash with Crystal Palace
13:26, 23 Dec 2024Updated 13:48, 23 Dec 2024
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is set to be out for "many weeks" according to Mikel Arteta(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka is out for "many weeks" after he hobbled off with a hamstring injury during the Gunners 5-1 weekend win over Crystal Palace.
Despite Arsenal dismantling Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday night, the Gunners were left fearful Saka would be sidelined for a prolonged period after the 23-year-old came off injured on 24 minutes. Saka limped off the pitch, with it now being confirmed by Arteta he will be out for "many weeks".
"It’s not looking good, he’s going to be out for many weeks," Arteta said during his Monday morning press conference. "I cannot be too specific because I do not know but it’s going to be many weeks."
He added: "It’s a huge one, he’s a massive player for us. You have to see the impact he has on this team but it will be a good exercise for all of us to overcome another challenge, because we’ve had a lot in the season."
And with Arsenal set to play 11 games in all competitions between December 27th and February 2nd, Saka's injury will be a bitter blow to the Gunners Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup aspirations this term.
Bukayo Saka down injured during Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Bukayo Saka down injured during Crystal Palace vs Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Following their impressive rout over Palace, Arsenal return to action on December 27th by welcoming Ipswich Town to the Emirates. They then play Brentford on New Years Day before travelling to face Brighton on January 4th.
Then, they host Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, before taking on Man United in the FA Cup. And then after that, they face Tottenham, Aston Villa, Dinamo Zagreb, Wolves and Girona, before playing Manchester City at the Emirates on February 2nd.
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Bukayo Saka picked up an injury in Arsenal's match with Crystal Palace
Bukayo Saka picked up an injury in Arsenal's match with Crystal Palace
Since August 2022, Saka has made 144 appearances for Arsenal and England, with the clash against Palace his 250th for the Gunners at just 23. And to add insult to injury, one option who could have played in Saka's place, loanee Raheem Sterling, is now also set to be out for an extended period too.
"We lost Raheem yesterday and we don’t know for how long," Arteta said. "To lose two players in 24 hours is not good. Unfortunately with the amount of games that we are playing and with this schedule it doesn’t surprise me."