Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury.
The England forward had to exit the pitch during Saturday’s commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, departing Selhurst Park on crutches.
At just 23 years old, Saka has made a significant impact this season, netting nine goals and contributing 13 assists in 24 matches across all competitions.
“The situation is concerning,” Arteta remarked. “He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.” The situation stands as it currently exists. The injury is confirmed, and there are no options for alteration. The focus now shifts to assisting during this crucial period.
Arteta indicated he was “putting some ideas together” to address Saka’s absence. He noted that Arsenal has experience managing without key players, having already faced the challenge of losing captain Martin Odegaard to injury this season.
When questioned about Saka’s possibility of ” tearing” something in his hamstring, Arteta confirmed, “Yes.” There are likely methods to avert the injury. “Numerous factors come into play.” The team is evaluating all aspects and considering potential changes to their approach.
Arteta revealed that Saka was “gutted” and “really emotional” upon learning the extent of his injury.
When questioned about the impact of the congested fixture list on Saka’s injury, Arteta responded, “It’s likely more about the accumulation [of matches], as players like Declan [Rice] and Bukayo have participated in over 130 games across three seasons.”
The Spanish coach has announced that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for a period due to his sustained knee injury.
“He will be sidelined for several weeks,” Arteta stated. “Further testing is required for him tomorrow.”
Arsenal will play Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium on December 27 in their upcoming league match, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15 GMT.
The significance of Saka can be illustrated through various statistics
Since debuting in November 2018, Saka has played 250 matches for the Gunners, netting 67 goals and contributing 63 assists.
In the previous season, he netted 20 goals across 47 appearances, contributing 17.7% of Arsenal’s total of 120 goals in all competitions.
This season, the percentage has seen a slight decline. Saka has scored nine of the Gunners’ 56 goals, accounting for 16.1% of the team’s scoring. He has also played a role in 10 of Arsenal’s 34 goals scored in the Premier League.
In his 250 appearances for Arsenal, Saka has contributed to 143 victories, resulting in a win rate of 57.2%. The team has also recorded 50 draws and suffered 57 defeats during this period.
Since his debut, Saka has been absent for 73 matches. During this time, the Gunners have secured 41 victories, resulting in a win rate of 56.2%. They have also recorded 10 draws and suffered 22 losses.
Injury to Saka forces Arteta to seek alternatives – a closer look
Bukayo Saka stands out as a pivotal figure for Arsenal and is arguably the most crucial player on the team.
Since 2019, Bukayo Saka has significantly impacted the pitch, recording 52 goals and 42 assists, the highest tally among Arsenal players. Gabriel Martinelli follows, contributing 34 goals and 14 assists.
Gabriel Jesus has netted five goals in the past week, marking a significant resurgence in form that has provided a much-needed lift for Mikel Arteta. However, ensuring the Brazil forward maintains this momentum has become increasingly crucial.
Martinelli stepped in on the right wing for Arsenal following Saka’s departure during the match against Crystal Palace, emerging as a potential solution to fill the gap for the time being.
Arteta has indicated that the club will explore internal options for solutions, expressing that he has “some ideas” on how to address the absence of Saka. However, he acknowledged that his team will inevitably be “different” moving forward.
Arsenal has a history of making moves during the January transfer window. In 2023, it secured the signing of Leandro Trossard after failing to land Mykhailo Mudryk.
Arteta has consistently emphasized the importance of being prepared for any eventuality in January, and the forthcoming transfer window may prove pivotal for Arsenal as they strive to maintain their pursuit of the Premier League title.
