Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks” following an injury sustained during the team’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Saka was forced off the pitch in the first half at Selhurst Park.
Despite his absence, the Gunners managed to secure a commanding win, but Arteta will now have to navigate a busy schedule without his star winger.
“It’s not looking good, he’s going to be out for many weeks,” Arteta told reporters.
When asked about dealing with the absence, he said: “I’m putting some ideas together.
“I haven’t got there yet but I have a few.
“I want to speak with them as well and take it in a positive way,” the Spaniard added.
“It means we’re going to be different.
“We went through the period with Martin [Odegaard] and the period with five, six defenders missing.
“We’re looking at it with positive energy.”
Arsenal were also without loanee Raheem Sterling for Saturday’s 5-1 win at Selhurst Park.
“We lost Raheem yesterday, and we don’t know for how long,” Arteta said after the victory.
“To lose two players in 24 hours is not ideal.
“Unfortunately, given the number of games and the current schedule, it doesn’t come as a surprise.”
Arsenal will be back in action on December 27 when Ipswich Town visit the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s side will then begin 2025 with two away matches, against Brentford and Brighton.
The Gunners have dealt with numerous injury setbacks this season, including a lengthy absence for captain Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian midfielder sustained an ankle injury while on international duty in September, sidelining him for two months.
However, Arteta’s team has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.
Since Odegaard’s return, Arsenal have gone unbeaten in their last seven league matches and secured a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a victory over Crystal Palace.
Defensive issues remain a concern, though. Takehiro Tomiyasu has made just one appearance this season, while Ben White has been sidelined for the past six weeks and will miss additional time.
White underwent surgery after battling multiple injuries earlier in the season.
When confirming the surgery in November, Arteta indicated the former Brighton defender would be out for months rather than weeks.
“It’s been different kinds of struggles. It’s never been the same thing,” Arteta said of White.
“It’s not been improving. It got to a point a where we have to protect the player.”
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