Arsenal’s forward Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for “many weeks” after sustaining a hamstring injury during Saturday’s emphatic 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The 23-year-old England international was forced off the pitch in the 22nd minute of the match at Selhurst Park, later leaving the stadium on crutches. His absence is a significant blow to Arsenal, who are currently third in the league standings.
“Bukayo will be out for many weeks,” Arteta said. “We are hopeful he will recover before the season concludes, but we have to take it one day at a time.”
Saka will miss Friday’s home game against Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium, along with several other fixtures. This season, he has been instrumental for the Gunners, recording five goals and ten assists in the league.
In October and November, Saka missed three Nations League matches for England, as well as Arsenal’s league defeat at Bournemouth and their Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, due to an injury to the same leg.
Arteta attributed Saka’s injury to a build-up of factors, including the heavy workload. “It’s a culmination of many reasons, especially the number of games he’s played,” Arteta explained.
Arsenal fans will be hoping for a swift recovery as the team pushes to close the gap at the top of the table. Saka’s creativity and pace have been vital to the team’s success this season.
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Arsenal's Saka out for many weeks with hamstring injury, Arteta says
cgtn.com