'.

Arsenal medics initially feared 6-month Saka absence

Arsenal medics initially feared that Bukayo Saka could miss as much as six months with his hamstring injury, but two months out is now more likely.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives medical treatment after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal medics initially feared that Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury was even more serious than it’s turned out to be.

The medics were concerned that Saka’s hamstring had become detached from the bone, which usually requires surgery and can take up to six months to recover from. As a result, Saka was sent for scans the same night as the injury.

Fortunately, it seems Saka has at least avoided that fate, with Mokbel reporting that the winger is set to miss around two months instead.

crystal palace fc v arsenal fc premier league 2
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Reports on social media suggest Saka won’t be needing surgery following specialist consultation, though the club will continue to monitor his situation.

At a minimum, it looks like Saka is set to miss around nine or 10 Premier League fixtures, the FA Cup third round (and fourth, if applicable), both legs of the League Cup semi-final, and the final two League Phase games in the Champions League.

If Arsenal finish outside of the Champions League top eight and need to play the additional play-off knockout round, Saka would miss that too.

The good news is that there’s some hope he could be back in time for the FA Cup fifth round, the Champions League round of 16, and the League Cup final, if Arsenal make it to any of those.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

In the meantime, Arteta is going to have to adapt to find a way to keep progressing in each competition and ensure Saka has a chance to feature in those fixtures.

Related Posts