New Delhi: Arsenal’s hopes of maintaining their Premier League title challenge have taken a significant blow with the news that star winger Bukayo Saka will be out of action for over two months. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the timeline following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, their first match without Saka since he sustained a serious hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old has been a vital cog in Arsenal’s attack since he made the transition from the youth squad to the first team, suffered the injury during the Gunners’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21. Saka was forced off in the first half and later seen leaving the stadium on crutches. Speaking after Friday’s match, Arteta provided an update on the England international’s condition.
“He had a procedure,” Arteta explained. “Everything went well, but unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer—it will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal.” This comes as a massive blow for the Gunners as Saka has been a focal point in attack for them and now they have to be a challenging part of the season without him.
🚨 Mikel Arteta: “Bukayo Saka will be out for many, many weeks… probably MORE than 2 months”.
“He underwant surgery. Now it depends… how the scar tissue starts to heal, the mobility of that”. pic.twitter.com/MXZXA0zjkt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2024
Saka has been a standout performer, contributing nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season. His absence will undoubtedly test the depth and adaptability of Arteta’s squad as they chase league leaders Liverpool, who currently sit six points clear with a game in hand. What’s even more worrying is Arsenal’s lack of a replacement for Saka as Raheem Sterling’s loan move hasn’t really worked out well.
In their first outing since Saka’s injury, Arsenal managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at the Emirates. The victory, though narrow, lifted the Gunners to second place in the Premier League standings, keeping them within striking distance of Liverpool. The match was decided by a solitary goal from Gabriel Jesus, who found the net in the second half after sustained pressure from the hosts.
While Arsenal’s attacking play lacked the fluidity often brought by Saka, their resilience and ability to grind out a result was commendable. The game also highlighted the importance of Arsenal’s depth, with several players stepping up in Saka’s absence. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were among those tasked with filling the creative void left by the young star but the Gunners need more depth if they are to compete on multiple fronts.
Raheem Sterling’s chance to shine
🚨BREAKING: Mikel Arteta has revealed that he expects Raheem Sterling to return from injury sooner than expected. 👀🔜 pic.twitter.com/sygNDUg737
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) December 27, 2024
While Saka’s extended absence casts a shadow, Arteta also delivered some encouraging news regarding Raheem Sterling. The 30-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, was initially expected to miss several weeks with a knee injury. However, his recovery has progressed faster than anticipated, and he could return to action soon. Sterling’s potential return will be a welcome boost for Arsenal as they face a demanding fixture schedule in the coming months.
The Chelsea loanee hasn’t had a lot of chances since his move across London to the Gunners was finalized on deadline day but this could be a chance for him to revive his career. Once known as one of the deadliest wingers in the league while at Manchester City, Sterling has lost a lot of that edge and reputation since leaving the Sky Blues. With Sterling out of Enzo Maresca’s plans, he needs to perform well for Arsenal to secure a move for himself come the 2025 summer window.
Arsenal will next take on Brentford on New Year’s Day, a match that will further test their mettle as they look to stay in the title race. With Saka sidelined until at least March, Arteta must find new ways to sustain his team’s attacking threat and keep their ambitions alive. The club could look for short term additions in the January transfer window, which is due to open in the new year.
Arsenal have been hit by a major setback after star winger Bukayo Saka has been confirmed to be out till at March 2025 by manager Mikel Arteta after he suffered an injury in the club’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
