The Arsenal games Bukayo Saka could miss with hamstring injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for "many weeks" as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered during the club's 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Saka, who has ten Premier League assists to his name already this season, was withdrawn only 24 minutes into the contest, much to the distress of Gunners fans and staff.

Arteta said after the final whistle that he was "pretty worried" about the potential prognosis, with Saka later seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches. The Spanish boss provided a more detailed update after various tests on Monday. "It’s not looking good," Arteta revealed. "He's going to be out for many weeks."

The 42-year-old continued: "At some stage at this level you're going to get injured. Unfortunately badly. It could have been much worse. It could have been something else that can take you out for a year."

While Arteta would not be drawn on an exact number, The Times report that Saka could be missing for between four and six weeks. Of concern is the fact it is another hamstring issue this season after earlier sitting out games in October.

With a packed fixture list across three competitions and no winter break this season, Arsenal are set to play 11 times over the next six weeks, the number of games Saka could miss if he is ruled unavailable for the longer estimate.

That run starts with a Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on 27 December and includes the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United, an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Manchester United, the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, two Champions League games and a Premier League encounter with Manchester City.

A slightly shorter absence could see Saka return to action in the final week of January and be available for the City clash on 2 February.

When Arsenal returned from the November international break in better form, Arteta highlighted that it was largely due to increased player availability following an injury crisis. But Saka now being sidelined until several weeks into 2025 is a significant blow.

Arsenal's upcoming fixtures

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