Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that star winger Bukayo Saka will be out for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury. The injury, sustained during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, has left the club grappling with a significant blow to their attacking options.
Arteta’s Statement on Saka’s Injury
Speaking to the press, Arteta confirmed that Saka had torn his hamstring, which was a worrying development for the team. The 23-year-old England international had to leave the pitch in the 24th minute of the match, using crutches to exit Selhurst Park. Arteta described the injury as “not looking good,” with the winger set to miss several weeks of action. Despite the setback, Arteta expressed optimism that Saka would return before the end of the season, but the injury’s full extent will only be evident in the coming days.
“It’s probably an accumulation of several seasons,” Arteta explained when asked whether the injury was linked to Saka’s heavy workload. Over the last two seasons, Saka has played over 130 games, which Arteta suggests may have contributed to the injury. “If that continues the same way, it’s probably unsustainable,” said Arteta. The Arsenal boss has clarified that the club will look to find ways to reduce the physical strain on key players like Saka, but it’s an ongoing challenge.
Raheem Sterling Also Ruled Out
Adding to Arsenal’s woes, Arteta confirmed that Raheem Sterling, another key player, would be sidelined for “many weeks” with a knee injury. The loss of both players leaves Arteta with a depleted attacking force, just as Arsenal were beginning to build momentum following their strong start to the season.
“It’s a tough situation,” Arteta said. “We started the season with one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League. We knew it would be a challenge, but now we must adapt. The key is to unlock the potential that’s in this squad.” With several attacking options unavailable, Arteta faces the challenge of reshaping his tactics and ensuring Arsenal continues to perform at a high level without their star attackers.
Preparing for the January Transfer Window
With Saka and Sterling out, Arteta revealed that Arsenal has already prepared for potential moves in the January transfer window. The club had anticipated the possibility of injuries, especially in the attacking and defensive areas, and Arteta said they are ready to act if necessary. “The preparation is done, and we are ready if something happens,” Arteta confirmed. However, he stressed that the focus remains on utilising the players at his disposal and ensuring the squad performs optimally in their absence.
Managing the Adversity
Despite the challenging circumstances, Arteta remained positive. He acknowledged that injuries are part of the game and emphasised the importance of developing a mindset to cope with setbacks. “At some stage, at this level, you’re going to get injured. Unfortunately, badly. It could have been much worse. It could have been something else that could keep you out for a year,” Arteta noted, encouraging his team to remain resilient.
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Arteta also stressed that the team must approach this period positively, making the most of the available players and focusing on the collective effort. “We went through a period with Martin Ødegaard and five or six defenders missing. It’s a great exercise to see how we can be different and positively use the energy,” he said.
Arsenal’s Path Forward
With Saka and Sterling out, Arsenal must rely on their remaining attacking options, including Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah. The team will also look to their midfielders, like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, to step up and contribute more to the offensive play.
Arteta’s tactical flexibility will be tested as he adapts to the loss of key players while maintaining the club’s competitive edge. The manager has indicated that the squad will need to adjust, and he has been working on several ideas to replace the injured stars.
While Saka’s absence will undoubtedly be a major challenge, Arsenal fans will take comfort in Arteta’s optimistic outlook and the team’s resilience. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Gunners as they look to continue their push for the top of the Premier League table without two of their most influential players.
