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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Saturday, December 21 opened up on Bukayo Saka’s injury, which the winger sustained in a match against Crystal Palace. Speaking after Arsenal’s 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace, Arteta added that it adds to the club’s injury concerns and he is "really worried".
Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury forced him off the field in the first half against Crystal Palace. Saka limped off in the 24th minute at Selhurst Park, while Arsenal went on to win 5-1. However, Gabriel Jesus continued where he left off after his Carabao Cup hat-trick against Palace in midweek, scoring either side of Ismaila Sarr's 11th-minute strike.
Mikel Arteta "pretty worried" about Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury
Commenting on Saka’s injury, Arteta in his post-match address stated, "He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn't continue. He will have to be assessed. [I'm] pretty worried about that one." In the videos making rounds on social media, Saka was seen walking out of the stadium on crutches.
Further, when asked about Saka's availability for the next match, Arteta said, "It's difficult. They have tested him but it's very difficult to say how bad it is." Notably, Saka has five goals and 11 assists in a fantastic start to the season, and his absence would be a huge setback to the Gunners during a hectic Christmas period.
Bukayo Saka doubtful for Arsenal’s next game
Speaking in detail of Bukayo Saka’s injury, he came into the game in the 23rd minute on the right wing. The Arsenal star was left injured while attempting to put in a cross from the right side. He was seen grabbing his hamstring shortly after the cross, indicating a gruesome injury. However, Leandro Trossard replaced the injured Arsenal player on the field.
The extent of Bukayo Saka's injury is still under wraps. A mild to severe hamstring strain can keep a player out for three to seven weeks, although a more serious injury will require more time on the sidelines. Saka is expected to return no earlier than the latter week of January, according to several reports. This is not Saka's first hamstring issue this season. The winger was seen limping while on England duty during the October international break and was out for many weeks, missing Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. Saka also suffered a leg injury in May, forcing him to miss Arsenal's last game of last season against Everton.
Meanwhile, Arsenal who won 5-1 at Crystal Palace, have closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand ahead of a trip to Tottenham on Sunday.
