By Martin Graham | twenty eighth Dec 2024
Arsenal’s star winger Bukayo Saka is ready to overlook a good portion of the season after present process surgical procedure for a hamstring harm. Supervisor Mikel Arteta revealed that the 23-year-old is prone to be sidelined for greater than two months as he recovers.
Saka suffers harm blow
Saka sustained the harm through the first half of Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21. The winger, who was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches, has been a pivotal determine for the Gunners this season, contributing 9 objectives and 13 assists in 24 appearances throughout all competitions.
Talking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win in opposition to Ipswich, Arteta offered an replace on Saka’s restoration timeline. “He had a process, and it went effectively,” Arteta stated. “Sadly, he shall be out for a lot of weeks. I imagine it’s going to be greater than two months, however we’ll have to observe his progress because the scar tissue heals.”
Sterling restoration presents optimistic information
Whereas Saka’s absence is a big setback, Arsenal obtained encouraging information relating to Raheem Sterling’s restoration from a knee harm. The 30-year-old, on mortgage from Chelsea, was initially anticipated to overlook a number of weeks. Nonetheless, Arteta revealed that Sterling’s situation has improved faster than anticipated.
“We have to see how he progresses this week,” Arteta stated. “The harm wasn’t as extreme as we initially thought. Hopefully, he can return sooner moderately than later, which is improbable as a result of we want all of the depth we are able to get.”
Arsenal’s upcoming challenges
Arsenal at present sits second within the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by six factors. The Gunners’ subsequent take a look at shall be a New Yr’s Day conflict away at Brentford. With Saka unavailable and Sterling’s health nonetheless beneath analysis, Arteta faces the problem of adapting his squad to keep up momentum within the title race.
The approaching weeks shall be essential for Arsenal as they give the impression of being to maintain tempo on the high of the desk whereas navigating key absences of their lineup.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
