Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, has dismissed reports that Bukayo Saka has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
It has been claimed that the winger is set to miss until mid-April with the problem he suffered in December’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace, the Express is reporting.
Saka has missed the last two months and his absence is part of a wider injury crisis at Arsenal.
Kai Havertz was the latest player to be ruled out long-term.The German also has a hamstring injury but, unlike Saka, he is set to miss the rest of the season in a cruel blow to Arteta.
Gabriel Jesus had already been ruled out until 2025-26 with a serious knee problem. Gabriel Martinelli is sidelined for a month with a hamstring issue.
Asked if Saka has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation, Arteta simply said: “No.”He then provided an update on the 23-year-old’s situation, adding: “We have a long-term injury, what is faster? In a ten-day injury, three days is a lot. But its too early, he’s in an early stage of rehab. When we do more we will stack on more load.”
It comes after the Sun reported that the England international will miss another eight weeks as the Gunners’ problems get worse. Arteta is determined not to rush back his star player.
An early return could prompt a recurrence.It is unclear if Arteta’s denial of a setback suggests Saka will return sooner, or if Arsenal had always anticipated that he would be out until April.
Saka would miss until mid-April if Arsenal’s worst fears come to fruition. That could rule him out until the final six or seven games of the season, by which time the Premier League title race may already be decided.
Liverpool are seven points clear at the top of the league following Wednesday’s Merseyside derby stalemate and will be looking on at Arsenal’s injury woes unenviously. Arne Slot’s side are yet to have any major fitness concerns this season, with Ibrahima Konate the only key player to miss any meaningful action.
Arsenal have had their attacking options wiped out and they head into Saturday’s trip to Leicester with only three senior forwards, including the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling are expected to make up the rest of Arteta’s forward line.
