Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined until at least March after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, forcing him off the pitch in the first half.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich, Arteta provided an update on Saka’s condition.
“He had a procedure, everything went well,” Arteta said. “But unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks.”
When pressed for a more specific timeline, the Arsenal boss elaborated:
“I said ‘many weeks’ so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer. I think it will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see. Very difficult to say.”
Impact on Arsenal
Saka’s absence was immediately felt as Arsenal struggled to find rhythm in their narrow 1-0 win over Ipswich.
Kai Havertz’s 23rd-minute close-range strike secured the victory, which moved the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table.
However, they remain six points behind leaders Liverpool.
Saka, a key figure for Arsenal, has been instrumental in their campaign so far, contributing with goals, assists, and his relentless work rate on the right flank.
His absence until March poses a difficult challenge for Arteta, who will need to rely on other squad members to step up during a critical phase of the season.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal will now look to navigate a busy winter schedule without one of their most influential players.
With crucial Premier League fixtures, FA Cup ties, and UEFA Champions League on the horizon, Arteta’s side will need to find ways to maintain their momentum.
Despite the injury setback, Arteta is confident in his squad’s ability to adapt.
Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz may be called upon to fill the creative void left by Saka’s absence.
The Road to Recovery
For Saka, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation. Hamstring injuries can be notoriously tricky, and the recovery process will depend on how well his body responds in the coming weeks.
Arsenal’s medical staff will monitor his progress closely to avoid any setbacks.
While Saka’s absence is a blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions, the Gunners will hope to keep themselves in contention until their star winger returns in the spring.
