Bukayo Saka is reportedly facing a four-to-six-week absence due to a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
The winger left the pitch in the first half after clutching his right leg following a cross. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed post-match that Saka would undergo further assessment.
If the timeline holds, Saka could miss key fixtures against Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and potentially Manchester City in early February, depending on his recovery progress.
Arteta was forced to do without Raheem Sterling ahead of the game against Palace due to a training injury, with Sterling and Saka joining Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White on the injury list.
In terms of immediate replacements, Gabriel Martinelli shifted to the right flank after Sterling’s withdrawal.
In the second half, Gabriel Jesus was moved to the wing after scoring a quick brace in the first half, just days after his hat-trick against the same opponents.
As for potential January transfers, Bryan Mbuemo, Jamie Gittens, and Mohammed Kudus are among the options being considered.
However, it’s unlikely that Arteta will look for a replacement for Saka in the winter window, as his absence is not expected to last long.
Therefore, it will likely be up to the players already in the squad to fill in for him.
Martin Odegaard was the most recent key Arsenal player to be sidelined with an injury, and the team struggled in his absence.