Arsenal Injury Update: Arteta Gives Positive News as Bukayo Saka’s Return Timeline Revealed
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is expected to be out for more than two months after undergoing successful hamstring surgery.
Saka, who has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 appearances this season, sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. He was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Ipswich without Saka on Friday, but there are ongoing concerns about the team’s ability to perform in his absence for an extended period.
“He’s had the procedure, and everything went well, but unfortunately, he will be out for several weeks,” Arteta said after the match. “I believe it will be more than two months, but the exact length is unclear. It will depend on how the scar tissue heals in the first week and how the mobility improves. It’s difficult to predict.”
This suggests Saka may return in time for Arsenal’s match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 8.
In more encouraging news, Arteta gave an update on Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling, who has missed the last two matches due to a knee injury. Initially expected to be sidelined for weeks, Sterling’s recovery seems to be progressing faster than anticipated.
“We need to keep monitoring his progress this week,” Arteta explained. “We thought his knee injury would take longer to heal, but the recent signs are positive. Hopefully, this means he’ll be back soon because we need him.”
Arsenal’s next match is against Brentford on New Year’s Day, as they look to extend their winning streak in the Premier League and maintain pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.
When asked about his team’s performance without Saka against Ipswich, Arteta commented, “We did very well. It was a different dynamic, and we had some good moments in the second half. It’s a new unit, and it will take time for the players to fully adapt.”
Despite surpassing Chelsea with their win at the Emirates, Arsenal remains six points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. However, Arteta expressed satisfaction with his team’s current position, especially given the challenges they’ve faced this season.
“Considering the circumstances we’ve had to deal with, like playing with only 10 men at times and the injuries we’ve suffered, it’s encouraging to be where we are,” Arteta said. “But it’s not our final goal. We aim to be at the top.”
