Winger Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for many weeks after torning his hamstring, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed. Saka was seen leaving the stadium on crutches after the Gunners’ 5-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Arteta revealed that Saka’s injury is not looking good and he is set to be sidelined for many weeks. Saka’s injury is a big blow for Arsenal as he has scored five goals and provided 10 assists in 16 matches of the ongoing Premier League season.
“It’s not looking good,” Arteta said. “He’s going to be out for many weeks. I cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many weeks.
“It’s a huge [blow]. He’s obviously a big player for us, you just have to see the impact that he has on the team. It’s going to be a really good exercise for us to think of ways to overcome another challenge because we’ve had a lot over the season.
“I am putting some ideas together. I haven’t got there yet. But I have a few. Then I want to speak with the players as well to understand how we are going to generate that and take it in a positive way. Because that is going to mean we are going to be different.
Arteta revealed that Saka was gutted after knowing the extent of his injury.
“He was gutted. You can tell that he has not been injured because he was really, really emotional and really down. And we need to lift him up. It is a big part of his job. And he will be fine but he is going to need a few days. He will immediately realise that he is so important in that dressing room.
“His energy level, his body language, and how he communicates with the rest of the team has to be really good because it is the only way at the moment he can help, so he better do that well.”
Arteta also revealed that Raheem Sterling is going to be sidelined after suffering a knee injury.
“He’s going be out for weeks I believe,” Arteta said. “He needs further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of his injury. It’s his knee. We have to wait and see another 24 hours. Unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a while.”
Arsenal will next take on Ipswich Town on Friday at the Emirates Stadium.
