Arsenal’s star winger, Bukayo Saka, will be sidelined for several months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old was forced off the pitch just 23 minutes into Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace last week, and manager Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that Saka will be out for more than two months.
In a recent update, Arteta revealed that Saka’s procedure had been successful but that the England international will need significant recovery time. “Yes, Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks,” Arteta said. “I think it will be more than two months. It’s difficult to say exactly how much longer, but it depends on how the scar tissue heals and his mobility in the coming weeks.”
Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, contributing nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances. His absence comes as a major blow to the Gunners, who are currently second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool. The injury could impact Arsenal’s title hopes, with Arteta acknowledging the need to rely on the team’s collective strength.
“That is our strength, we are a team of players who can score 20-30 goals together,” Arteta added, emphasizing the importance of teamwork during Saka’s absence.
The injury is likely to prompt action in the upcoming January transfer window. Arsenal have long been linked with potential attacking reinforcements, with names like Victor Gyokeres, Jonathan David, and Victor Osimhen among the rumored targets. Arteta expressed openness to strengthening the squad if needed, saying, “The preparation is done. We are ready if something happens.”
With Saka out of action, Arsenal will look to other players, including Kai Havertz, who has been filling in as a forward. Arsenal fans will hope that the team’s depth can help weather the storm as they look to maintain their title challenge without their star winger for the foreseeable future.
