Arsenal FC winger Bukayo Saka is expected to be out of action for several weeks after picking up a knee injury during the Gunners’ 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the devastating news during Monday’s press conference ahead of the Ipswich Town clash, revealing the injury is more serious than previously thought.
The potentially significant blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions was detailed in a statement on the club’s website.
It was headlined “Team News: Updates on Saka and Sterling”.
“It’s not good,” admitted Arteta. “Obviously he’s a big player for us. We’ll see what impact it has on the team, but it will be a very good exercise for all of us to think about how we can overcome another challenge because we’ve had so many already this season.”
Arsenal’s talismanic number seven, Saka, was forced off in the 24th minute at Selhurst Park, prompting Leandro Trossard to step in and produce a superb performance.
However, Saka’s absence leaves a significant void as Arsenal prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
Compounding Arsenal’s woes, Raheem Sterling is also set to miss several weeks with a knee problem, further reducing Arteta’s options at right-wing.
“He needs more tests tomorrow to understand the extent of the injury,” Arteta said of Sterling. “It’s his knee and we have to wait another 24 hours, but unfortunately he will be out for a while.”
With both main attackers out, Arteta faces a tactical dilemma. However, the Arsenal boss expressed confidence in his side’s ability to adapt, naming several players who could step into the role.
“[Gabriel Martinelli] played very well the other day,” Arteta said. “He scored a goal, he created an assist. And he’s a good option to have. We also have the opportunity to play with both feet.” If we need it, a different kind of profile compared to the opposition. So, we’re on it.”
Arteta also highlighted Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz as potential replacements.
“Gabby [Jesus] has played there, Ethan [Nwaneri] has played there, Leo [Trossard] could play there depending on how this unit moves. Kai [Havertz] can play there, ask him for different things. So, we’ll see, we’ll try to talk to them as well and see what they think about it.”