Mikel Arteta provides concerned update on Bukayo Saka injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted he is “quite worried” about the injury suffered by Bukayo Saka during Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.

The talismanic striker lasted less than 25 minutes before being forcibly removed during Arsenal’s trip to Selhurst Park. The Gunners had already scored twice, with Gabriel Jesus breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute after receiving a cross at the far post by Saka.

Arteta’s side scored three more times in the winger’s absence to consolidate third place, but the Spanish manager was more concerned about his player’s health after the match.

“I felt something in my hamstring and I couldn’t continue,” Arteta explained. “It will have to be evaluated. (I’m) pretty worried about that.”

Saka appeared to suffer his latest muscle injury after colliding with Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell. The defender attempted to block his cut-back on Martin Odegaard, leaving the Arsenal star sprawled on the grass.

Arteta, who has earned a reputation for playing injury-related mind games, was in no position to provide a timetable for Saka’s recovery so soon after the final whistle. “It’s hard,” he shrugged. “They’ve done tests, but it’s very difficult to say how serious it is.”

Seeing Saka writhing on the ground is nothing new. However, the 23-year-old is rarely forced to leave the pitch. No player in Arsenal’s Premier League history has amassed more consecutive appearances than the durable winger. Saka has only missed four top-flight games in the last three and a half years.

However, this is the third time The England international has suffered a knock to his right hamstring this season. “I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same, it’s on the same leg,” Arteta reflected. “I don’t know how big this will be, but he’s already had two.”