Winger Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The England forward exited Selhurst Park on crutches after being pulled off during Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
In 24 appearances this season in all competitions, 23-year-old Saka has nine goals and thirteen assists.
Arteta said, “It’s not looking good,” “He will be absent for several weeks.
“It is what it is. We cannot alter the fact that he is wounded. We will now take advantage of this opportunity to assist him.
Since Arsenal had already lost captain Martin Odegaard to injury this season, Arteta claimed he was “putting some ideas together” to deal with Saka’s absence.
“Yes,” Arteta said when asked if Saka had “torn” anything in his hamstring. Most likely, there are solutions to avoid getting hurt.
“A number of factors are involved. We are examining every aspect and determining what we can do differently.
Saka was “gutted” and “really emotional” upon learning of the extent of his injuries, according to Arteta.
When asked if Saka’s injury was caused by the crowded schedule, Arteta said, “It’s probably more the accumulation [of matches] as people like Declan [Rice] and Bukayo have played over 130 games in three seasons.”
Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for a while due to a knee problem, the Spanish coach also said.
“He will be absent for weeks,” Arteta stated. “He needs some further testing tomorrow.”
