Arsenal fan Zai Zai was visibly emotional after seeing his favourite player, Bukayo Saka, suffer an injury during the Gunners’ victory over Crystal Palace.
The toddler had a heartbreaking reaction when the Nigerian-born attacker went down with a hamstring injury.
Zai Zai was filmed crying after his mother informed him that Saka was hurt. He shook his head in disbelief, unable to comprehend that his hero wouldn’t be able to continue playing.
Sadly, for Zai and many Arsenal supporters, Saka’s injury turned out to be serious. The winger has since undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on Saka’s recovery timeline.
“He had a procedure,” said the Gunners boss. “Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.
“I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.
“It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.”
Saka shared a hopeful message on Instagram from his hospital bed after surgery.
“The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities,” he wrote. “Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages.”
Saka has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, with nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
