Mikel Arteta is facing a major headache ahead of the busy winter schedule after confirming that star forward Bukayo Saka is set to miss significant time due to a hamstring injury.
The injury occurred during Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, when Saka pulled up after attempting a cross in the 24th minute. This injury blow came shortly after Saka had played a role in Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal, but he was forced to leave the pitch early, visibly frustrated and using crutches.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta did not mince words about his concern for the 23-year-old England international. “He felt something in his hamstring,” the Spaniard said. “Bukayo couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed. Pretty worried about that one. It’s difficult to estimate how serious it is now.” Arteta’s cautious approach in assessing the injury highlighted the uncertainty surrounding its severity. “They have tested him inside, but it’s very difficult to say how bad it is,” he added, making it clear that the full extent of the injury would only be known after further assessment.
This injury is the third time this season that Saka has struggled with hamstring issues. In October, he was forced to miss two matches for Arsenal after limping off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece. He later missed another international break in November due to another hamstring complaint sustained in the match against Chelsea. Arteta, however, remained unsure if the latest setback was related to the previous injuries. “I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same one,” Arteta said. “It’s in the same leg, and he had the third minor injury. I don’t know how big this one is going to be.”
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As the initial concern over Saka’s injury began to grow, Arteta was forced to admit that the situation is looking bleak for the young winger. “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks,” the Arsenal boss confessed. This news came as a blow not just to Saka but to Arsenal’s squad depth, as the Gunners have relied heavily on the 23-year-old in their attacking setup. His absence will undoubtedly be felt during a crucial stretch of matches for Arsenal as they battle for top honors.
Adding to Arteta’s concerns, Raheem Sterling was also forced to sit out Arsenal’s win over Palace due to an injury sustained the day before. “We lost Raheem yesterday and we don’t know for how long,” Arteta said, clearly frustrated with the injury misfortunes that had struck his squad in such a short time. “To lose two players in 24 hours is not good. Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing and with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me.”
On Monday, Arteta offered an update on Sterling’s condition, revealing that the England winger had picked up a knee issue. “He’s gonna be out for weeks,” Arteta confirmed. “He needs further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of his injury. It’s his knee.” Like Saka, Sterling’s injury could have a serious impact on Arsenal’s forward options, especially with the demanding fixture list in December and January.
The Loss in the Attakcing Play
With both Saka and Sterling sidelined, Arteta now faces a dilemma regarding how to cope with the loss of two key attacking players. The manager has been on record about wanting to add depth to his forward line, a need that has been apparent for some time. While Arsenal has been linked with several potential January transfer targets, Arteta was keen to emphasize that there would be no hasty decisions. “My intention right now is to get the best of what we have,” he said, signaling that the club will focus on working with the existing squad to navigate this challenging period.
Despite his intent to rely on the current squad, Arteta’s comments leave open the possibility of a January transfer move. The Gunners’ forward ranks could be stretched, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will dip into the transfer market to reinforce their attack as they look to maintain their momentum in the Premier League and other competitions. Given the nature of the injuries to Saka and Sterling, Arteta’s careful approach to squad management and potential reinforcements will be under the spotlight in the coming weeks.
Reshuffle the Team
With Saka and Sterling both set for extended spells on the sidelines, Arteta will be forced to reshuffle his attack and rely on other players to step up in their absence. The Gunners have a number of talented forwards capable of making an impact, but the loss of two such influential players will certainly test the squad’s depth and resolve. How Arteta manages the situation will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can continue their title charge without two of their most important attacking assets.
The absence of these key players highlights the ongoing challenge for top clubs in managing injuries throughout a congested schedule. With matches coming thick and fast, particularly during the busy festive period, Arsenal’s depth will be tested more than ever. While Arteta remains hopeful that the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and other forwards can fill the void, the Gunners’ season now hangs in the balance with the added pressure of coping without two of their primary attacking threats.
As the January transfer window looms, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s response to these setbacks. Will the Gunners make a move to bolster their attack, or will Arteta continue to trust in his current squad? For now, Arsenal fans will have to wait and see how the team adapts to life without Saka and Sterling, as the manager works tirelessly to keep the Gunners competitive at the top of the Premier League.
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