Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling could both be set for spells out of action through injury, according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Bukayo Saka was forced off early on in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Raheem Sterling not available to replace him.
Mikel Arteta admitted afterwards that he’s concerned about both players, and particularly Saka.
“He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue, and he’ll have to be assessed,” Arteta said. “So, we’re really worried about that one.
“They have tested him inside but very difficult to say how bad it is.”
“And Raheem as well, we lost Raheem yesterday,” Arteta continued. “We don’t know for how long as well. So, to lose two players in 24 hours is not good.
“Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing every three days with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me but the team will react to that.”
In a further worrying sign, Saka was seen leaving the stadium on crutches. This was his third hamstring injury of the season, having previously injured it for England against Greece on October 10th and for Arsenal against Chelsea on November 10th.
Physio Scout report that the use of crutches and Saka’s reaction points towards a muscle strain, rather than just tightness. That would mean at least a couple of weeks out, but it could mean as much as 10 weeks out depending on the severity of the strain.
Scans will be necessary to confirm the extent of the issue, but there’s certainly little expectation Saka will be back for next Friday’s game against Ipswich Town.
As for Sterling, we’ll have to await further updates, with little information available as to the nature and severity of his issue right now.
