Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka Out For Over Two Months Following Surgery.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is expected to be sidelined for “more than two months” after undergoing surgery to address a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old winger sustained the injury during the Gunners’ 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on 21 December, leaving the pitch in the first half and departing the stadium on crutches. Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, contributing nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich on Friday, which lifted the team to second place in the league table, Arteta provided an update on Saka’s recovery. “He had a procedure, and everything went well,” Arteta said. “But unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months, though it depends on how the scar tissue heals and his mobility in the early stages.”
While the loss of Saka is a significant blow, Arsenal received positive news about Raheem Sterling’s recovery. The 30-year-old Chelsea loanee, initially expected to be out for weeks with a knee injury, could return sooner than anticipated.
“We have to see how he evolves this week,” Arteta explained. “We initially thought the knee injury would take longer to heal, but it’s progressing well. Hopefully, that’s good news because we need him.”
Arsenal remain six points behind league leaders Liverpool and are next set to face Brentford on New Year’s Day as they aim to maintain their title challenge amidst these injury concerns.