Saka suffers hamstring injury, out for “many weeks”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ after suffering a hamstring injury in the Gunners 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for “many weeks” after tearing his hamstring.
Saka limped off in the 24th minute of Arsenal’s game at Crystal Palace on Saturday and while the Gunners went on to win 5-1, the victory was marred by the injury to the England winger, who left the stadium on crutches.
“It’s not looking good, he’s going to be out for many weeks,” Arteta said in a press conference on Monday.
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“I cannot be too specific because I do not know but it’s going to be many weeks.
“He was gutted. You can tell that he’s not been injured because he’s been really emotional and down and we have to lift him up. It’s a part of his job, a big part of his job. He will be fine, but he needs a few days.”
Asked about the blow of losing Saka, Arteta replied: “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.”
It is not the first hamstring injury Saka has suffered this season. He limped off while on England duty in October and was sidelined for a few weeks, missing Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.
Asked if Saka’s season could be over, Arteta said: “No. In football, with injuries you cannot put 10 fingers there but I am very optimistic that he will be well back before the end of the season.”
Arsenal still beat Crystal Palace without Saka, with Gabriel Jesus scoring twice and Gabriel Martinelli – who moved to the right wing after Saka went off – claiming a goal and an assist.
Since making his Premier League debut in 2019, Saka has never missed back-to-back Premier League games due to injury. In the past two-and-a-half seasons, Saka has only missed four top-flight games.
Whenever he has picked up a knock, he bounces straight back – so for Arteta’s Arsenal to lose him until February is brand new territory.
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