“It’s a huge blow” - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka injury update following Crystal Palace victory

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka's injury after he was forced off in their game against Crystal Palace. The England international played only 24 minutes at Selhurst Park before leaving the pitch with an injury as his side won 5-1 on Saturday, December 21.

Saka was named in the starting XI for the trip to South London after playing 20 minutes off the bench in Palace's visit to the Emirates in the Carabao Cup in the midweek. The forward pulled up with a hamstring injury midway through the first half, looking visibly distressed as he was replaced by Belgium international Leandro Trossard.

Mikel Arteta has now confirmed the extent of his injury. The Spanish tactician revealed in a press conference that the forward will spend "many weeks" on the sidelines through injury.

He said (via @ed_aarons on X);

“It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks. It’s a huge blow but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”

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Bukayo Saka was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches after the game on Saturday, sparking rumours of a serious injury. These rumors have now been confirmed, potentially creating a need for the club to make a signing in the January transfer window to cover the position.

Saka has been a mainstay in Arteta's plans at the club, taking on a crucial role for the Gunners this season in scoring and creating goals. The Englishman has scored five goals and assisted 10 in only 15 league games for the Gunners this season.

Arsenal dealt Raheem Sterling injury blow

In addition to the injury to Bukayo Saka, Arsenal have received news of an injury to on-loan Chelsea man Raheem Sterling. Mikel Arteta confirmed the absence of the experienced forward in his press confrence, revealing that he has picked up a knee problem.

“Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee. He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out,” he said (via Fabrizio Romano).

Sterling was once again noticeably absent from the Gunners matchday squad for the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday. On Wednesday, he had played 70 minutes in Arsenal's 3-2 Carabao Cup win over the same side.

Raheem Sterling was deemed surplus to requirements by new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca in the summer, leading him to join Arsenal on loan. The 30-year-old has contributed one goal and two assists in only 426 minutes of action as he has had to take on a bit-part role for the Gunners.