Arsenal have been dealt a serious injury setback with winger Bukayo Saka set to miss “many weeks” after suffering a torn hamstring, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday.
The news comes after Saka was seen leaving the stadium on crutches following Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.
“It’s not looking good,” Arteta said of Saka’s condition. “He’s going to be out for many weeks. I cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many weeks.”
The 23-year-old England international, who has been a standout performer for the Gunners, has been a key player this season, contributing 9 goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
His absence will be a huge blow to Arteta’s plans, with the winger starting 16 of Arsenal’s 17 Premier League matches so far this campaign.
Saka had previously missed just one match this season—a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in October—due to injury.
Arteta spoke on the impact Saka’s injury would have on the team, stating that it’s a “huge blow” and would require Arsenal to adapt.
“It’s going to be a really good exercise for us to think of ways to overcome another challenge because we’ve had a lot over the season,” he said.
“I am putting some ideas together. I haven’t got there yet, but I have a few.”
“Then I want to speak with the players as well to understand how we are going to generate that and take it in a positive way.”
Saka himself has been “gutted” by the injury, according to Arteta.
“He was really, really emotional and really down,” Arteta added.
“We need to lift him up. It’s a big part of his job. He will be fine but he is going to need a few days.”
To compound the issue, Arteta also confirmed that forward Raheem Sterling is set to miss several weeks due to a knee injury.
“He’s going to be out for weeks, I believe,” Arteta said. “He needs further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of his injury.”
With both Saka and Sterling sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking options are stretched, and Arteta hinted that the club could be forced into the January transfer market.
“The preparation is done and we are ready if something happens,” he said. “Obviously, we didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem out at the same time.”
Arsenal’s immediate focus is on Friday’s match against Ipswich at the Emirates, but Arteta will be hoping his squad can rise to the challenge in the absence of two of their most influential players.
