Arsenal’s hopes for the season have taken a significant hit with the news that English-Nigerian winger Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury.
The young winger sustained the injury during the team’s emphatic 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace, leaving the pitch in the first half and later seen on crutches.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his concern in a press conference, stating, “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks. It’s a huge blow but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”
This injury is particularly troubling as it marks Saka’s third hamstring issue this season, following previous setbacks in October and November.
The team will need to adapt quickly as they face a demanding schedule ahead, including crucial matches against Ipswich and Tottenham.
Arteta was asked whether he feared that the problem might rule Saka out for the remainder of the season, but said: “No. I’m very optimistic he’ll be back before the end of the season.”
“It could have been much worse,” he added. “It could have been something else that can take you out for a year. It’s how you react to that, how you overcome that situation and it’s a great learning process for him as well. It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him.”
Saka has been key for Arsenal this season as he is their highest goal contributor in all competitions this season.
He has 22 goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.
