Arsenal star Bukayo Saka may be sidelined until March after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Gunners’ final match before Christmas.
The England forward received treatment on the pitch during the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace but was unable to continue.
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday that the 23-year-old will be out for “many weeks,” though he did not provide a specific timeframe.
If Bukayo Saka is unable to return before February, it would mean missing up to 10 games for his club, including the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, a crucial North London Derby against Tottenham, and Arsenal’s final group-stage matches in the Champions League.
While some optimists have pointed to the early February clash with Manchester City as a potential return date, it has now emerged that Saka’s absence could extend further.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal will intensify their investigations into Saka’s injury amid concerns it may be a hamstring tear.
The academy graduate had already missed a month earlier this season due to an injury suffered while on international duty with England in October, and there are growing fears that this latest setback could keep him out for an extended period.
After Saka’s departure against Palace, Arsenal manager Arteta switched Gabriel Martinelli to the right wing, with the Brazilian potentially continuing in that role.
Another option for Arteta could be Raheem Sterling, though the on-loan Chelsea forward is currently sidelined with an injury of his own.
“He needs some further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of the injury,” Arteta said of Sterling.
“It’s his knee and we have to wait another 24 hours, but unfortunately he’s going to be out for a while.”
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