Bukayo Saka will be out for “several weeks” due to a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday.
When asked about the 23-year-old England international’s injury at a press conference, Arteta said, “It’s not looking good. He will be sidelined for many weeks.”
Saka was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches after the match on Saturday, which marred what had been a dominant second win over Palace in just four days.
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Arteta said after the match: “He felt something in his hamstring. He couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed, so I’m pretty worried about that one.”
He also disclosed on Monday that Raheem Sterling had sustained a knee injury and would be sidelined for several weeks.
Arteta was then asked if there was concern that Saka might not return before the season ends.
“No (there’s no fear),” he said. “I’m very optimistic he’ll be back before the end of the season.”
The Spaniard said it was part of the “development of a player”.
“It could have been much worse. It could have been something else that can take you out for a year,” he said.
“It’s how you react to that, how you overcome that situation and it’s a great learning process for him as well.
“It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him.”
Saka plays a vital role in Arsenal’s attack, having scored five Premier League goals and registered 10 assists this season. His absence will be strongly felt.
Arteta mentioned he is “putting some ideas together” to find a way to manage without the winger.
“We went through the period with Martin (Odegaard) and the period with five, six defenders missing,” he said. “We’re taking it with positive energy.”
Arsenal, who have finished as Premier League runners-up in the last two seasons, will host relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday.
The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, with one more game played.
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