Bukayo Saka will probably be out for “more than two months” following surgery on his damaged hamstring, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old winger was injured during the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on December 21 and had to use crutches to leave the stadium.
With nine goals and thirteen assists in 24 games across all competitions this season, Saka is a vital member of the Gunners’ squad.
In their first match after Saka’s injury, Arsenal defeated Ipswich 1-0 on Friday night. Arteta, who spoke following the victory that moved them up to second position, disclosed the England international’s expected recuperation period.
“He had a procedure,” said the Gunners boss. “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, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.”
However, Raheem Sterling has given Arsenal a much-needed fitness boost, and the attacker is anticipated to make a quicker than anticipated comeback.
Arteta had predicted that the 30-year-old Chelsea loanee would miss “weeks” due to a knee injury prior to the game against Ipswich.
Sterling might soon be available for selection again, though, if the issue is not as serious as initially thought.
“Yes, we have to see this week how he evolves,” added Arteta. “We probably expected the knee injury to take longer than it has evolved in the last few days. Hopefully that’s good news because we need him.”
The next game for Arsenal, who are currently six points behind league leaders Liverpool, is a trip to Brentford on New Year’s Day.
