Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has revealed that star winger Bukayo Saka is likely to remain sidelined for more than two months due to a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Crystal Palace on December 21.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, Arteta provided an update on Saka’s condition, describing his absence as a significant challenge for the team.
“He had a procedure, everything went well,” Arteta said, via Arsenal’s official website. “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. I think it will depend, you know, on how the scar tissue starts to heal in the first week or so. Let’s see. It’s very difficult to say.”
In Saka’s absence, Arteta made two changes to his line-up, with Leandro Trossard slotting into the left flank and Declan Rice replacing Thomas Partey in midfield. Gabriel Martinelli, naturally a left-sided player, shifted to the right to fill Saka’s role.
The adjustment bore fruit in the 23rd minute when Trossard delivered a cross that Kai Havertz converted to secure the win.
However, Arteta acknowledged that the team is still acclimating to life without Saka, as they climbed to second place in the Premier League standings.
“As I’ve said, I think the replacement of Bukayo is going to be the team, and that [attacking] unit in particular,” Arteta explained. “There were moments when it flowed really well. There were moments where we still have some work to do to improve it and to adapt to the qualities of the individuals. And I’m certain that we’re going to do that.”
Arteta also reflected on Martinelli’s adjustment to playing on the right wing, emphasizing the need for support around the Brazilian forward to maximize his effectiveness.
“Gabby needs people around him. He needs [to be a] constant threat. He needs to be always in the last line when the ball is on his side, and [needs] people close to him because he’s very intuitive. I think that if you’re isolating [him] too much, you’re going to suffer, especially playing with a natural foot on the right. These are things that we can evolve and improve,” Arteta added.
On a positive note, Arteta shared encouraging news about Raheem Sterling, hinting at an earlier-than-expected return for the forward, who has been recovering from a knee injury.
“We expect the knee injury to probably take longer than actually the way the knee is evolving in the last few days. Hopefully that’s good because we need him,” he said.
The Gunners are hopeful that their tactical adjustments and returning players will help mitigate Saka’s absence as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title.
