Arsenal’s resounding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace was overshadowed by a worrying setback, as star winger Bukayo Saka was forced off the pitch in the 23rd minute due to a muscle injury.
While the Gunners cruised to victory on the back of Gabriel Jesus’ brace, the sight of Saka leaving Selhurst Park on crutches has cast a shadow over the team’s festive fixtures.
The 23-year-old England international, who has been pivotal for Arsenal this season, appeared to suffer a hamstring injury during the game. Manager Mikel Arteta provided an update during his post-match media interaction, expressing concern over the winger’s condition.
Saka leaving Palace on crutches, not looking great #arsenal pic.twitter.com/N3Jnd7bS8x
— Joao Castelo-Branco (@j_castelobranco) December 21, 2024
Speaking about the injury, Arteta admitted that the team is anxious about Saka’s latest setback. “He felt something in his hamstring. He couldn’t continue,” Arteta said. “He will have to be assessed. I’m pretty worried about that one.”
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This marks Saka’s third hamstring injury of the season, raising questions about the severity of his condition and the toll of Arsenal’s packed schedule on the young star. “I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same one [as the earlier injuries],” Arteta added. “It’s in the same leg. He had the third minor injury—I don’t know how big this is going to be. But he already had two.”
The north London club will undoubtedly be hoping the issue is not serious and that their talisman can return to the field sooner rather than later.
The timing of Saka’s injury is particularly concerning for Arsenal, given their grueling fixture list. The Gunners are set to face Ipswich Town, Brentford, and Brighton in quick succession between December 27 and January 4 in the Premier League.
With these games critical to maintaining their momentum in the title race, Arteta will need to make tactical adjustments if Saka is sidelined for an extended period. The winger’s creativity, pace, and goal-scoring ability have been instrumental to Arsenal’s campaign, and his absence would undoubtedly be a significant loss.