Arteta's Saka worries compounded by Sterling injury

Arsenal are facing an anxious wait while Bukayo Saka undergoes tests on the hamstring problem that forced him off during the first half of yesterday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Making his 250th appearance for the Gunners, the winger pulled up in the 24th minute after attempting a cross and immediately signalled that he needed to be substituted.

After medical treatment, he eventually limped back to the bench and was later seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.

In his post-game press conference, manager Mikel Arteta revealed: “He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue, and he’ll have to be assessed. So, we’re really worried about that one.”

Saka has played 56 matches so far in 2024, including every game of England’s run to the final of the European Championships in Germany. In the grand scheme of things, he’s missd very little football although there have been three previous lay-offs due to muscular problems in this calendar year.

Asked if Saka has aggravated an injury he returned from earlier in the seaosn, Arteta said: “I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same one, or the same leg.

“It’s the third minor injury; I don’t know how big this one is going to be but he already had two of them.”

Saka’s fitness problem is compounded by the news his backup on the right flank, Raheem Sterling, has also suffered an injury. The Chelsea loanee was conspicuous by his absence yesterday, especially as he’d looked lively in Wednesday’s win over Palace in the Carabao Cup.

Judging by the manager’s tone, you have to assume he’s going to be a doubt for next week’s clash with Ipswich at the Emirates.

“We lost Raheem yesterday,” said Arteta. “We don’t know for how long as well. So, to lose two players in 24 hours is not good.

“Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing every three days with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me but the team will react to that.”

After Saka was replaced by Leandro Trossard, Arteta asked Gabriel Martinelli to play off the right. The Brazilian seemed to enjoy the responsibility, providing a cross in the build-up to the Gunners’ third goal before adding the fourth himself.

Arteta could well be tempted to continue with that experiment while knowing Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri are alternative options.