Arsenal fear nightmare Bukayo Saka injury scenario as update given
Arsenal reportedly initially feared that Bukayo Saka’s hamstring had become detached from the bone following his injury against Crystal Palace - although, in reality, it is thought that the winger will not require surgery.
Mikel Arteta says the 23-year-old will be out for “many weeks” and could not provide a precise recovery time. Reports moot that Saka could be out for around two months.
The attacker - who has provided more goal contributions than any other Arsenal player this season (22; nine goals and 13 assists) - pulled up with his issue just over 20 minutes into Saturday’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.
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He immediately flagged to the bench after delivering a cross before falling to the turf, looking in great discomfort. Saka was flanked by medics as he made his way off the pitch and was later seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.
The Daily Mail says Saka was sent for a scan on Saturday night, which shows the club’s concern given such checks normally take place the day after. Staff were worried that the hamstring muscle might have come away from the bone, the No.7 was assessed early.
However, football.london has learned that the general feeling is that the winger will not require surgery, despite initial fears. This would significantly reduce the player’s recovery time if so.
Speaking in his press conference on Monday, Arteta gave an update on the latest injury news at that point regarding Saka. “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks,” he said.
“How many weeks? Many. I cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many weeks. It’s a huge [blow].
"Obviously he’s a big player for us. You just have to see the impact that he has on the team, but it’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season.”