New Delhi: Arsenal’s 5-1 triumph over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon came with a significant cost as Bukayo Saka, one of the Gunners’ most influential players was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 24th minute. The 23-year-old winger has been pivotal for both club and country was seen leaving Selhurst Park using crutches, raising concerns about the extent of the setback.
In the match against Eagles, he made his 250th appearance for the Gunners. The winger joined the club’s academy at the age of eight and has developed into one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. The 27-year-old became the third youngest player in the club’s history to reach this figure amassing 67 goals and 64 assists since making his debut back in November 2018.
Over his Arsenal career, Saka has been named twice Arsenal’s Player of the Year and England’s Player of the Year. The winger has also added individual honors such as the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2023 to his growing list of accolades.
🚨🩼 Bukayo Saka leaves Selhurst Patk on crutches, as @j_castelobranco’s video shows ⤵️🤕pic.twitter.com/gmgBnpO3u5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2024
Arteta’s concerns amid fixture congestion
Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted he was “pretty worried” about Saka’s condition. “He felt something in his hamstring and couldn’t continue,” Arteta explained. “He will have to be assessed. It’s difficult to say how bad it is at the moment.”
This marks a concerning trend for Saka, having already dealt with two hamstring injuries this season. He sustained his previous injuries during England’s October fixtures and Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea in November, raising similar alarms but somehow he managed to recover quickly on both occasions. However, Arteta also hinted at the toll the packed schedule is taking on players. “With the amount of games we are playing and this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me,” he noted.
When asked about the possible timeline for Saka’s return, Arteta was cautious. “It’s very difficult to say how long he’ll be out,” he remarked. “I’m not sure if it’s the same hamstring injury as before, but it’s in the same leg.”
“He felt something in his hamstring, pretty worried about that” 🗣️
Mikel Arteta comments on Bukayo Saka’s injury after he came off in the first half 🔴 pic.twitter.com/sptbkXHckU
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 22, 2024
Adding to Arsenal’s worries, winger Raheem Sterling has also sustained an injury ahead of the match, reducing Arteta’s attacking options further.
What next for Arsenal?
Saka’s durability has been one of his standout traits for Arteta’s squad, having missed only two games for the Gunners this season prior to Saturday. Saka’s potential absence poses a challenge for Arteta as the team navigates a demanding schedule.
Saka’s impact extends beyond the pitch. His leadership and consistency have made him a key player in Arteta’s project at Emirates. As Arsenal fans await updates on their talisman, the Gunners must prepare for the upcoming challenges as they look to continue their momentum while ensuring Saka’s recovery is managed carefully.
Mikel Arteta expresses concern over Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury after Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace as he left the field on crutches. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
