Mikel Arteta has already committed to Arsenal transfer response to serious Bukayo Saka injury

Bukayo Saka coming off inside the first 20 minutes against Crystal Palace was a frustrating stain on the impressive win for Arsenal at Selhurst Park, which has proven a difficult ground to go to previously. Having helped create the opening goal and then feeding the corner for the second, his substitution gave a boost to the home side until another strike from Gabriel Jesus led to Kai Havertz's goal.

It could not come at a worse time and with it being a suspected hamstring injury, it is difficult to know – especially with so little information at this stage – just how long he could be out for. Kieran Tierney only returned a few weeks ago after suffering a major hamstring injury at the Euros.

While for other cases it can be a matter of weeks. January is particularly tough for Arsenal with Carabao Cup and FA Cup clashes with top opponents, a North London Derby and the visit of the side who effectively cost them the title last season, Aston Villa. Not to mention to visit of Manchester City on February 2.

Naturally, there have been calls for a response already in regard to the market. It has been reported elsewhere that only an injury or opportunity could spark the Gunners into a considerable investment.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta when asked on the topic has been quick to praise the players already in the group. Ahead of the midweek game with Palace Arteta said: "I fully trust the squad and our players, and the amount of situations and things we generate in the match, how little we concede. I fully trust my players."

It's all well and good to trust your players but when you lose someone as big as Saka, potentially with a serious injury, then you need more. We are seeing just how much Manchester City are suffering without Rodri.

Pressed again on the matter he replied: "It will depend on what player it is, the value of that player, if there is any other movements in the squad or not, so it’s very difficult to answer."

Well, there is movement in the squad now with Saka making his way to the medical room. Pressure to respond in the next couple of weeks will grow and without Edu in the sporting director seat, it will be interim lead in that department, Jason Ayto, who will be facing such scrutiny for his work ahead of the window.

Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel

Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!

By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.

To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!

If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.