Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions have suffered a significant setback as star winger Bukayo Saka faces a lengthy injury layoff. The 23-year-old sustained a hamstring tear during Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, and it’s now confirmed that he will be sidelined for up to 15 matches, including crucial fixtures across all competitions.
Saka, who has been in scintillating form this season with 9 goals and 10 assists, left Selhurst Park on crutches following the match. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday that the winger would be out for “many weeks” but did not specify a return date. However, it’s understood that Saka will miss a significant portion of Arsenal’s season, including 15 matches until February 25.
“It’s not looking good,” Arteta admitted. “He’s going to be out for many weeks. We cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many.” While Arteta expressed hope for a quicker recovery based on Saka’s previous injury history, the Gunners will need to adjust to life without their star player during an important stretch of the campaign.
Arsenal currently sits third in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Over the next few weeks, the team faces a packed fixture list, including 15 matches, starting with an upcoming home game against Ipswich. Arteta will need to rely on the rest of his squad to fill the void left by Saka, who has been a crucial contributor to the team’s attacking play this season.
In response to Saka’s injury, Arteta stated that the club would only explore the transfer market for a replacement if “something unbelievable” becomes available. For now, the focus remains on maximizing the resources within the current squad, with the possibility of Raheem Sterling stepping in on the right flank, though he too is dealing with a knee injury and will be out for weeks.
As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, Arteta emphasized the need to lift Saka’s spirits, acknowledging the emotional toll the injury has taken on the England international. “He is gutted,” Arteta said. “You can tell he has not been injured before, as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”
With Saka’s absence now confirmed, Arsenal faces a crucial period in their quest for the Premier League title, relying on the depth and resilience of their squad to stay competitive.
