Bukayo Saka to be out for 8 weeks after hamstring injury

Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for “several weeks” due to a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old England forward had to leave the pitch during Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace and departed Selhurst Park using crutches.

So far this season, Saka has netted nine goals and contributed 13 assists in 24 matches across all competitions.

“It’s not looking good,” said Arteta. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.

“It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him.”

Arteta mentioned that he was “formulating some strategies” to address Saka’s absence, noting that Arsenal had experience handling the loss of important players, having already been without captain Martin Odegaard due to injury this season.

When asked if Saka had “torn” something in his hamstring, Arteta responded: “Yes. There are likely methods to help prevent the injury.

Numerous factors are involved. We’re examining all aspects and considering what changes we can implement.”

Saka was “gutted” and “really emotional” upon learning of the extent of his injury, according to Arteta. When asked if Saka’s injury was caused by the crowded schedule, Arteta said, “It’s probably more the accumulation [of matches] as people like Declan [Rice] and Bukayo have played over 130 games in three seasons.”

Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for a while due to a knee problem, the Spanish coach also said. “He will be absent for weeks,” Arteta stated. “He needs some further testing tomorrow.” The Gunners’ next league matchup is against Ipswich at Emirates Stadium on December 27 (20:15 GMT kickoff).