Arsenal have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of lifting the Premier League title as Bukayo Saka’s return date has been stretched until March.
The 23-year-old was taken off in the Gooner’s 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Leandro Trossard took his place as the No. 7, signalled that he was injured.
It was initially revealed that the player miss up to four weeks of action due to an unfortunate hamstring injury. Arsenal already has a lot of ground to cover in the title race as Chelsea and Liverpool are going strong.
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The fans were expecting to welcome back their academy graduate as early as possible. But an even more worrying update has come out from a trusted source.
BUKAYO SAKA UNLIKELY TO RETURN UNTIL MARCH
Team News and Tricks have mentioned on the Patreon that the English international won’t make a comeback until March. They have also said that this is a bare minimum, which means that he can also be out for a longer period.
They claimed: “Now people are reporting it will be eight weeks. I am told that is a bare minimum, and the likelihood is we won’t see him until March.”
The abovementioned source is a trusted one, and they have predicted injury dates accurately in the past. If their revelation is true, then it will put Arsenal’s title ambitions in jeopardy.
🚨Arsenal feared Bukayo Saka’s hamstring had become detached from the bone, following his injury against Crystal Palace.
Medics usually wait until the following day for initial scans, but the Gunners were so concerned, Saka went for scans on the same night.
[@SamiMokbel81_DM… pic.twitter.com/lWkENS046Y
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) December 26, 2024
Mikel Arteta’s men have to face a hectic schedule in the next few months. In fact, their performances during the early phase of 2025 will have a huge impact on the outcome of their season.
Saka registered nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 games. It clearly shows that he has been a backbone of their attack, and they will have a hard time compensating for his loss.
Arteta has options upfront, and it remains to be seen who he chooses as the ideal replacement for the right winger. Gabriel Martinelli impressed on the right flank against Palace, and he has the experience of operating in that position.
He could be shifted to the opposite side with Trossard playing on the left. Ethan Nwaneri is another option, as he holds a similar profile to the Hale End graduate. He can cut inside from the right flank using his strong left foot to his advantage.
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Raheem Sterling could have been an easier choice, but he won’t be in contention to feature due to an injury. There is also a strong chance that Arteta might dip into the January transfer market to sign a solid backup for Saka.
