Saka to Miss Over Two Months Following Surgery, Confirms Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta announces that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for more than two months after undergoing surgery, dealing a blow to the team’s campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has announced that Bukayo Saka is expected to be sidelined for “more than two months” following surgery on his injured hamstring.

The 23-year-old winger left the field during the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 Premier League victory against Crystal Palace on December 21 and exited the stadium using crutches.

Saka is a crucial player for the Gunners, having netted nine goals and contributed 13 assists across 24 matches in all competitions this season.

On Friday night, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Ipswich in their first match since Saka’s injury. After the win, which moved them up to second place, Arteta provided an update on the recovery timeline for the England international.

“He underwent a procedure,” said the Gunners’ manager. “It was successful, but unfortunately he will be sidelined for several weeks.”

I mentioned several weeks, so I believe it will exceed two months. I’m not sure exactly how much longer beyond that.

“It depends on how the scar tissue begins to heal and its mobility during the first week or so. It’s hard to predict, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Arsenal has received a positive fitness update on Raheem Sterling, with the forward anticipated to make an earlier-than-expected return.

Prior to the game against Ipswich, Arteta mentioned that the 30-year-old player on loan from Chelsea would be sidelined for “weeks” due to a knee injury.

However, the issue isn’t as severe as initially thought, and Sterling might be ready for selection again shortly.

“Yes, we need to monitor his progress this week,” Arteta mentioned. “Initially, we thought the knee injury would take longer to heal than it has over the past few days. Hopefully, that’s a positive sign because he’s essential for us.”

Trailing six points behind league leaders Liverpool, Arsenal’s next match is scheduled for New Year’s Day when they travel to face Brentford.