Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka is set to be out for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old England international sustained the injury during Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches, and further assessments have revealed the severity of his condition.
“It’s not looking good,” Arteta admitted. “He’s going to be out for many weeks. It is what it is. He’s injured, and we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him recover.”
Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, contributing nine goals and 13 assists across 24 games in all competitions. His absence is a significant blow for the Gunners, who have already navigated injuries to key players like captain Martin Odegaard. Despite the setback, Arteta remains optimistic, stating that the team will adapt and cope, just as they have in the past.
“We’re putting some ideas together to deal with his absence,” Arteta shared. “We’ve dealt with missing key players before, and this will be no different.”
When asked if Saka’s injury involved a tear in his hamstring, Arteta confirmed: “Yes. Probably there are ways to prevent the injury. There are a lot of factors. We are looking at everything and what we can do differently.”
The Arsenal boss also spoke about Saka’s emotional response to the injury, noting the young star was “gutted” and deeply affected by the news. “He’s really emotional right now,” Arteta said, emphasizing the psychological toll injuries can have on players.
Speculation has arisen about whether the demanding fixture schedule played a role in Saka’s injury. Arteta pointed to the sheer number of matches Saka has played in recent seasons as a likely contributing factor. “It’s probably more the accumulation [of matches],” he explained. “Players like Declan [Rice] and Bukayo have played over 130 games in three seasons. It’s a lot.”
Adding to Arsenal’s injury woes, Arteta also confirmed that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined due to a knee injury. While further tests are scheduled, initial assessments suggest that Sterling, like Saka, will miss several weeks of action. “He’s going to be out for weeks,” Arteta stated. “We need to conduct further testing tomorrow to get a clearer picture.”
Arsenal’s next challenge comes on 27 December, when they host Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium in a league fixture. With key players like Saka and Sterling unavailable, Arteta will need to rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments to maintain their competitive edge.
Despite these challenges, Arteta remains committed to finding solutions. His approach underscores the resilience and adaptability that have been hallmarks of his tenure as Arsenal’s manager. For now, the focus is on supporting injured players and ensuring the team’s momentum remains intact as they navigate the demanding winter schedule.
