“He’s too much for this team” - Gary Lineker and Micah Richards predict Arsenal's Premier League finish

Former Premier League players Micah Richards and Gary Lineker have predicted where Arsenal could finish in the league this season. The Gunners have had an impressive campaign, being the closest challegers to runaway leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta's side registered a third straight league win - seeing off Brentford 3-1 away - to move to within six points of the Reds (45), who have a game in hand. The Gunners take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the league on Saturday (January 4).

Discussing the Gunners' Premier League prospects this season on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said that they will have their task cut out without the injured Bukayo Saka:

“I just think with Arsenal now, Saka being injured for… looks like there’s different reports, some are saying a month, some are saying two months, some are saying a little bit longer than that.

“I think if Arsenal would have had a fit squad from start to finish, I’d agree with Alan (Shearer) (saying) it’s not over yet. But losing Saka – he’s too much for this team, he’s got too much responsibility, so unfortunately I think they’re going to finish second.”

Lineker also predicted a top-two finish:

“Yeah, I still think they’ll finish second, which is what I actually predicted. I think Saka, if you have an operation, you don’t come back in a month. Let’s wish him a speedy recovery because he’s such a wonderful footballer.”

Arteta's side have finished second in the Premier League the last two seasons - finishing behind Manchester City both times. Meanwhile, their talismanic attacker Saka is set to miss action for a while due to a hamstring injury.

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What's the update on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka?

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka injured his hamstring in the 5-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace last month. The Englishman has been a key player for the Gunners this season.

He has bagged nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games across competitions, including five goals and 10 assists in 16 outings in the Premier League. Following his surgery, Saka posted a message on Instagram:

"The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun, and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages."

Arteta provided an update on the attacker (via the BBC):

“He had a procedure. Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks. I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.

“It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.”

The Gunners last won the Premier League in the 2003-04 season - a historic 'Invincibles' triumph under legendary boss Arsene Wenger - becoming the first team to win the competition without losing a game.