Arsenal feared Bukayo Saka would be sidelined for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, according to a report.
The spell lasted less than 25 minutes when the Gunners traveled to Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park last Saturday. After colliding with Tyrick Mitchell, ArsenalHis prolific attacker was left on his stomach and had to be helped off the field. The 23-year-old was spotted using crutches in the after Arsenal’s 5-1 win.
Manager revealed Mikel Arteta that Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks”. Without setting an exact time frame for his recovery, speculation about his absence varies. Immediately after the incident, Arsenal’s medical department feared the worst Daily Mail.
On the same day as the game, the Gunners scanned Saka to check if his hamstring had separated from the bone. Such an injury would have to be treated with surgery and would usually keep players out of action for up to six months.
Hand he is believed to have avoided that disastrous outcome, although Arteta confirmed that the winger suffered a torn hamstring.
When giving his first information on Saka’s injury, Arteta revealed: “It could have been a lot worse, it could be something else that can take you out of the game for a year.”
After it became clear that Arsenal would be able to rely on their number seven again at some point this season, Arteta took an optimistic stance. The Spanish boss claimed his star man’s absence would make him a “better manager”. Whether Arsenal will be a better team without Saka is another matter entirely.
Even if Saka is sidelined for six weeks – as early reports suggested – he will miss 11 games in all competitions, including the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, the FA Cup tie with Manchester United and the league games against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. However, there are real concerns that the over-hyped England international will be out until March.
READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP
