Bukayo Saka Injury News: Arteta provides update on Arsenal star

Bukayo Saka Injury News: Arteta provides update on Arsenal star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka is out for “many weeks” after he hobbled off with a hamstring injury during the Gunners’ 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in Premier League 2024-25 on Saturday.

Arsenal secured a convincing victory over Palace at Selhurst Park, but the triumph was overshadowed by an injury to Saka, who was subbed-off in 24th minute.

The 23-year-old was has been Arsenal’s most influential player so far, and manager Arteta has since confirmed that Saka will be sidelined for an extended period.

“It’s not looking good, he’s going to be out for many weeks,” Arteta said during his Monday morning press conference. “I cannot be too specific because I do not know but it’s going to be many weeks.”

The Spaniard added: “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.”

Arteta also provided an update on Raheem Sterling’s injury, saying the on-loan player from Chelsea has injured his knee and would be out for many weeks.

The Arsenal boss was asked if there was a fear Saka would not return before the end of the season.

“No (there’s no fear),” he said. “I’m very optimistic he’ll be back before the end of the season.”

He said it was part of the “development of a player”.

“It could have been much worse. It could have been something else that can take you out for a year,” he said.

“It’s how you react to that, how you overcome that situation and it’s a great learning process for him as well.

“It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him.”

Saka is crucial cog in Arsenal’s attack, scoring five Premier League goals and providing 10 assists this season, and his absence will be keenly felt.

Arteta said he was “putting some ideas together” about how to cope in the winger’s absence.

“We went through the period with Martin (Odegaard) and the period with five, six defenders missing,” he said. “We’re taking it with positive energy.”

Arsenal, which has finished as Premier League runners-up over the past two seasons, host relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday.

The Gunners is currently third in the league table, six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more.

– (With inputs from Agencies)