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Mikel Arteta watched on as his team demolished Crystal Palace 5-1 at the weekend.
However, it came at a cost.
Mikel Arteta saw his best player and most dangerous attacking player, Bukayo Saka, leave Selhurst Park on crutches. The Arsenal boss admitting he is ‘pretty worried’ about his star man, how long he will be out for with this latest hamstring problem.
It is only 15 or 16 days now until Newcastle United face Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, we will find out this Monday morning whether it will be played Tuesday 7 January or Wednesday 8 January.
Very difficult to see Saka back available by then, with even the second leg surely a doubt now for the England winger, the first week in February at St James’ Park.
Saka has incredible stats for Arsenal, starting 22 games for the Gunners in all competitions, he has had 22 direct goal involvements, scoring nine and thirteen assists.
Last season (2023/24) in all competitions, Saka started 44 matches and had 33 direct goal involvements, scoring 20 and getting 13 assists.
Mikel Arteta also revealed (see below) that possible replacement for Saka, Raheem Sterling, is also now injured. A double blow for the Arsenal boss.
BBC Sport report – 21 December 2024:
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is “pretty worried” about Bukayo Saka after the England winger went off injured against Crystal Palace.
Saka suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace and had to be replaced in the 24th minute.
The 23-year-old was using crutches as he left Selhurst Park.
“He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue,” said Arteta. “He will have to be assessed. [I’m] pretty worried about that one.”
Asked how long Saka might be out, Arteta replied: “It’s difficult. They have tested him but it’s very difficult to say how bad it is.”
Arteta added that fellow winger Raheem Sterling has also picked up an injury, ruling him out for Saturday’s game.
“We don’t know for how long,” he said. “To lose two players in 24 hours is not good.
“Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing and with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me. But the team will react to that.”
Saka has only missed two games for Arsenal this season, after he suffered a hamstring injury while playing for England in October.
He also went off injured against Chelsea in November, ruling him out for England during the last international break, but was able to start in the Gunners’ next game against Nottingham Forest on 23 November.
Asked if this is Saka’s third hamstring injury, Arteta said: “I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same one, it’s in the same leg.
“I don’t know how big this is going to be but he’s already had two.”

 
