Bukayo Saka Arsenal injury latest - spotted on crutches, return timeline and Arteta update

Arsenal will be sweating over the fitness of star player Bukayo Saka after the 23-year-old sustained an apparent hamstring injury during their Premier League triumph over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

The Gunners stormed to a 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were among the goals, while Ismalia Sarr scored the only goal of the game for the hosts. However, it wasn't plain sailing for the Gunners as they were dealt a significant injury blow when Saka was forced off with a hamstring problem in the first half.

Saka required treatment after a heavy tackle and left the field clutching the back of his right leg as he was replaced by Leandro Trossard on 23 minutes. Fortunately for Arsenal, they were able to see out a crucial victory in the Premier League title race, but will hope Saka's injury isn't as serious as first feared ahead of a must-win run of fixtures.

With that being said, Football.london have looked at all the details surrounding Saka's injury and when he could potentially return to action...

Spotted on crutches

There was little encouragement for Arsenal supporters post-match as Saka was pictured leaving Selhurst Park on crutches. It's worth noting the use of crutches doesn't always signify a serious injury, as they are typically used as a means of precaution in a bid to keep weight off the muscle and avoid aggravating the problem further.

Arteta provides update

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provided a brief injury update when addressing the media after the game, although it's understandably too soon to know the full extent of Saka's injury. "He felt something in his hamstring," the manager said.

"He will have to be assessed. Pretty worried about that. It’s difficult to guess now. They have tested him but difficult to say how bad it is."

In a separate interview with the BBC's Match of the Day programme, Arteta did add that Saka's substitution was 'precaution' and those of an Arsenal persuasion will hope it doesn't lead to an extended spell on the sidelines.

Expected recovery timeline

Suspected hamstring injuries have plagued Saka somewhat this season as he was forced to withdraw from international duty with England back in October, while he was also substituted during the 1-1 draw against Chelsea in November with a similar problem. On that occasion, he has back in action in Arsenal's next game after another international break.

Typically, if it's just a muscle tightness, Saka's recovery time could be less than a week, which would suggest a return to action in their next league game against Ipswich Town. A grade one strain would result in two to four weeks on the sidelines, which would keep Saka sidelined until the new year.

A more serious grade two strain would keep the winger out of action between four and six weeks, which would result in a return the pitch at the end of January. This means Saka would miss Arsenal's FA Cup third round clash against Manchester United, as well as the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in mid-January.

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