Bukayo Saka
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a significant update on the condition of star forward Bukayo Saka, confirming that the England international will be sidelined for “many weeks” after sustaining a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old winger pulled up in the 23rd minute after delivering a low cross, clutching the back of his right leg before signaling to the bench. Despite receiving treatment from Arsenal’s medical team, Saka was unable to continue and was replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Following the match, Saka was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches, fuelling concerns about the extent of his injury. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Boxing Day fixture against Ipswich Town, Arteta expressed his disappointment but maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook.
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka return date revealed following hamstring injury
“It’s not looking good,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “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. It could’ve been much worse.”
Mikel Arteta with a positive stance on Bukayo Saka’s injury, after it’s been confirmed the Arsenal winger will be out for several weeks. pic.twitter.com/9Zncm6XIiz
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Saka’s absence comes at a critical period for Arsenal. The forward is expected to miss up to ten key matches, including the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on January 15. Other fixtures he could miss include Premier League clashes with Brighton, Brentford, and Aston Villa, as well as a February 3 showdown against reigning champions Manchester City.
In addition to domestic league matches, Saka is likely to be unavailable for two Champions League group-stage games, an FA Cup tie against Manchester United, and the first leg of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.
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Physio Scout, a medical analyst on social media platform X, assessed Saka’s condition based on video footage of the incident. They suggested the injury is likely a grade 1 or grade 2 hamstring strain, ruling out the possibility of a severe tear.
The expert outlined potential recovery timelines depending on the severity of the injury:
Grade 1 strain: 2-4 weeks
Grade 2 strain: 4-6 weeks
Grade 3 strain: 8-10 weeks
“This appears more likely to be a grade 1 or 2 hamstring strain,” the analyst stated, adding that grade 3 injuries are typically associated with higher hamstring tears.
This is not the first time Saka has dealt with hamstring trouble. The winger previously suffered a similar issue during England’s international defeat to Greece in October, raising concerns about his susceptibility to such injuries.
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