Arteta Expresses Significant Concern Over Saka’s Injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed significant concern regarding Bukayo Saka’s condition, following the England winger’s injury during a match against Crystal Palace. Saka has been playing twice a week since the November international break. During Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Saka sustained a hamstring injury, necessitating his substitution in the 24th minute of the game. The 23-year-old player was observed using crutches upon his departure from Selhurst Park. Arteta stated, “He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue,” adding, “He will have to be assessed. [I’m] pretty worried about that one.” When questioned about the potential duration of Saka’s absence, Arteta responded, “It’s difficult. They have tested him but it’s very difficult to say how bad it is.” Arteta further mentioned that another winger, Raheem Sterling, has also incurred an injury, which will prevent him from playing in Saturday’s match. He commented, “We don’t know for how long,” and remarked, “To lose two players in 24 hours is not good.” Arteta expressed, “Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing and with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me. But the team will react to that.” This season, Saka has only been absent from two Arsenal matches, having previously sustained a hamstring injury during an England game in October. Additionally, he left the field due to injury during a match against Chelsea in November, which led to his exclusion from the England squad for the most recent international break. However, he was fit enough to start for the Gunners in their subsequent fixture against Nottingham Forest on 23 November. When asked if this marked Saka’s third hamstring injury, Arteta responded, “I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same one, it’s in the same leg.” He further added, “I don’t know how big this is going to be but he’s already had two.”