Saka tears hamstring in DEVASTATING blow to Arsenal’s title chances | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal fans worst fears with Bukayo Saka set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace.

The Arsenal star limped off in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Selhurst Park and the early diagnosis from Arteta wasn’t good.

And, ahead of the Boxing Day clash against Ipswich, Arteta has revealed Saka will face ‘many weeks’ out in a devastating blow to Arsenal’s title hopes.

“It’s not looking good he’s going to be out for many weeks,” Arteta confirmed.

“He was gutted. You could tell that he hasn’t been injured because he was really emotional and really down. He will be fine but I think he’s going to need a few days.

“He’s going to immediately realise that he’s really important in that dressing room. His body language is the only way he can help so he had better do that.

Arteta has begun identifying potential replacements for Saka as he aims to keep Arsenal’s title bid on track.

“I’m putting some ideas together,” he continued.

“I haven’t got there yet but I have a few. I want to speak with them as well and take it in a positive way.

“It means we’re going to be different. We went through the period with Martin [Odegaard] and the period with five, six defenders missing. We’re looking at it with positive energy.

Gabi [Martinelli] has played there, Ethan [Nwaneri] has played there, Leo [Trossard] can play there in relation to how the unit moves. Kai [Havertz] can play there. We will talk to them and understand how they feel about it.”