Saka to Miss “Several Weeks” Due to Thigh Injury

Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta, said on Monday that forward Bukayo Saka will be out for “several weeks” after sustaining a thigh injury during the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in the 17th round of the English Premier League.

When asked about the condition of the 23-year-old England international, Arteta replied, “It doesn’t look good. He’ll be out for several weeks.”

Saka was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches after the match, which dampened the joy of Arsenal’s second win in four days over Crystal Palace, following a 3-2 victory in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

Arteta explained, “He felt something in his hamstring. He couldn’t continue. He will need to be assessed, so I’m very concerned about that.”

The Spanish coach also revealed that Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, suffered a knee injury and will also be sidelined for several weeks.

When asked if there was a concern that Saka might not return before the end of the season, Arteta said, “No (there’s no concern), and I’m very optimistic about his return before the end of the season.”

Arteta further explained that the injury was part of the player’s development, stating, “It could have been much worse. There could have been something else that could have kept him out for a year.”

He continued, “It’s about how you respond to it and how you overcome the situation. It’s also a great learning process for him. That’s the way it is. He’s injured, and we can’t change that. We’ll use this time now to help him.”

Saka plays a crucial role in Arsenal’s attack, having scored five goals and provided 10 assists in the league this season, so his absence will be significant.

Arteta emphasized that they are “gathering some thoughts” on how to cope with Saka’s absence, saying, “We’ve been through periods with (Norwegian) Martin (Ödegaard) and times without five or six defenders. We’re handling it with positive energy.”

Arsenal, who sit third in the Premier League with 33 points, six points behind leaders Liverpool, will host Ipswich, who are second from the bottom, on Friday.