Bad news for Arsenal just before Christmas: Bukayo Saka has suffered a thigh injury and will have to watch from the sidelines for the time being.
On Saturday evening shortly before 7 p.m. (CET), the Gunners fans’ worry lines are likely to have deepened. Because at 6:54 p.m., in the 24th minute of the game at Crystal Palace, Bukayo Saka sat down on the pitch and touched his right thigh. The 23-year-old was unable to continue.
Two days later, Mikel Arteta announced the winger’s layoff. “It doesn’t look good, he’ll be out for many weeks,” said the Spaniard. However, from his point of view, it could have been “much worse”. At least he won’t be out for a whole year and is expected back before the end of the season.
Saka with 15 goal involvements in 16 league games
Nevertheless, the loss is a bitter blow for the Londoners. With 15 goal involvements (five goals, ten assists), Saka, who has only been out of the starting lineup once in the Premier League this season, is his team’s top scorer in the league. “He’s obviously a key player for us. You just have to see the impact he has on the team, but it will be good practice for all of us to think about how we can overcome another challenge, because we’ve already been through a lot this season,” said the 42-year-old.
On Saturday, Leandro Trossard replaced the England international. The Belgian took over the left-back slot in the attacking back three from Gabriel Martinelli, who moved to the right. Martinelli impressed on his unfamiliar side, scoring once and providing an assist. As such, he is likely to be the first-choice option. “Gabriel Martinelli played really well again. And it’s a good option to have him,” explained Arteta.
He also listed Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Trossard and Kai Havertz as possible candidates for the right-back position. “So we’ll see and try to talk to them too and understand how they feel about it,” said Arteta. Raheem Sterling, who has not yet found his feet at Arsenal, is not an option, however. The 30-year-old has also injured his knee and will be out for several weeks.