Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka Sidelined for “Many Weeks” with Hamstring Injury, Manager Arteta Confirms

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that winger Bukayo Saka will be absent for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Crystal Palace. The England international was compelled to leave the field during Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace and departed Selhurst Park utilizing crutches. The 23-year-old Saka has contributed nine goals and 13 assists over 24 appearances in all competitions during the current season. Arteta commented, “It’s not looking good,” adding, “He’s going to be out for many weeks. It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him.” Arteta mentioned he was “putting some ideas together” to manage Saka’s unavailability, noting that Arsenal possesses prior experience in managing without vital players, having seen captain Martin Odegaard sidelined by injury earlier this season. When questioned if Saka had “torn” a part of his hamstring, Arteta responded, “Yes. Probably there are ways to prevent the injury. There are a lot of factors. We are looking at everything and what we can do differently.” Arteta conveyed that Saka was “gutted” and “really emotional” upon learning the extent of his injury. In response to an inquiry about whether the demanding fixture schedule contributed to Saka’s injury, Arteta stated, “It’s probably more the accumulation [of matches] as people like Declan [Rice] and Bukayo have played over 130 games in three seasons.” The Spanish coach additionally verified that Raheem Sterling is anticipated to be out of action for a period following a knee injury. Arteta commented, “He is going to be out for weeks,” adding, “He needs some further testing tomorrow.” Arsenal’s next fixture is against Ipswich at Emirates Stadium in the league on 27 December, with a 20:15 GMT kick-off. Since his initial appearance in November 2018, Saka has played 250 matches for the Gunners, achieving 67 goals and 63 assists. Last season, he netted 20 goals in 47 appearances, contributing to 17.7% of Arsenal’s total of 120 goals across all competitions. This season, that proportion has seen a minor decrease, as Saka has scored nine of the 56 goals for the Gunners (16.1%). He has also set up 10 of Arsenal’s 34 Premier League goals. Across Saka’s 250 games for Arsenal, the team has secured 143 victories (57.2%), 50 draws, and 57 losses. In the 73 games Saka has been absent since his debut, the Gunners have recorded 41 wins (56.2%), 10 draws, and 22 defeats. It is undeniable that Bukayo Saka stands as one of Arsenal’s pivotal players, potentially even their most crucial. Since 2019, Saka has been involved in 52 goals and 42 assists, representing the highest contribution among any Gunners player, with Gabriel Martinelli following with 34 goals and 14 assists. Gabriel Jesus has netted five goals in the past week, and his resurgence in form was already a positive development for Mikel Arteta; however, maintaining the Brazil forward’s scoring prowess has now gained increased significance. Martinelli took over on the right wing for Arsenal after Saka’s departure against Crystal Palace and appears to be the player designated to cover his absence temporarily. Arteta has indicated that the club intends to seek internal solutions and possesses “some ideas” on how to manage Saka’s absence, though he acknowledged that his team will operate “differently.” Arsenal has a history of activity in the January transfer window, notably acquiring Leandro Trossard in the 2023 winter period after failing to secure Mykhailo Mudryk. Arteta has consistently emphasized the necessity of being prepared for any eventuality in January, and the forthcoming transfer window could prove vital for Arsenal’s aspirations to maintain their Premier League title pursuit.