Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka faces a significant period out of action with a hamstring injury following Friday night's 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.

Saka was forced off during last week's 5-1 win over Crystal Palace before being spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches. "He had a procedure," the Gunners boss said. "Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks."

"I think it will be more than two months," he replied when asked on a timeframe. "I don't know exactly how much longer. It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let's see, it's very difficult to say."

READ MORE: Declan Rice makes honest Bukayo Saka admission after Arsenal injury fears come true

READ MORE: Liverpool dealt huge blow with 'Real Madrid transfer request' as Arsenal and Chelsea watch on

Against Ipswich, Arteta named a forward line of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. Neither player managed to find the back of the net with Kai Havertz's 12th goal of the season the difference.

Despite the doom and gloom surrounding Saka's absence, Arsenal were handed better news regarding Raheem Sterling. The winger has barely featured since his Deadline Day loan arrival and is currently nursing a knee injury.

However, Arteta confirmed on Friday that the 30-year-old's problem isn't as bad as first thought. "Yes, the news with Raz [Sterling] I think is better," the Spaniard explained. "We have to see this week how he evolves.

"We probably expected the knee injury to take longer than it has evolved in the last few days. Hopefully that's good news because we need him."

In Saka's absence, Sterling is the ideal replacement on the right of Arsenal's attack. The former Manchester City star has started just two Premier League games this season with his only goal coming against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.