- Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury during Arsenal’s visit to Selhurst Park
- Mikel Arteta confirmed that the winger will spend an extended period on the sidelines
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Arsenal fear Bukayo Saka will miss around two months due to the hamstring injury he suffered against Crystal Palace.
Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday that his striker will miss ‘many weeks’ due to the injury he suffered in the first half of his side’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, an injury that left Saka leaving Selhurst Park on crutches .
Saka will see a hamstring specialist after the initial scans, after which the picture of his recovery will become clearer.
The 23-year-old has already had three hamstring problems this season, of which the current injury – probably a tear – is the most serious.
With that in mind, the club would like to investigate the matter further externally.
However, Mail Sport understands that initial concerns are that Saka’s sacking could last until the end of February or even early March. The news comes as a major blow to Arsenal as they look to reduce Liverpool’s six-point lead at the top of the table.
Bukayo Saka came off with a hamstring injury in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had confirmed that the winger will be on the sidelines for ‘many weeks’
Arsenal’s medics are currently reluctant to put a definitive recovery timetable on Saka’s return and much will depend on how quickly he heals.
But the fact that this is his third hamstring injury of the season means Arsenal are approaching Saka’s recovery with caution.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling – who would have been in contention to replace Saka – faces further tests due to a knee injury that saw him withdraw from Friday’s training ahead of the win over Palace.
The former Manchester City star, on loan from Chelsea, complained about a niggle and was immediately removed from the session as a precaution.
Arteta says Sterling will also be on the sidelines for ‘weeks’, although the full diagnosis will not be known until later this week.