Bad to worse: Another key player for Arsenal has picked up a new injury and could be out as long as Saka…

Arsenal’s injury woes deepen as another key player joins Saka on the sidelines.

A senior member of the Arsenal squad has encountered a fresh injury and could potentially be unavailable for as long as Saka.

Arsenal faces a significant setback as another prominent player is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, coinciding with Bukayo Saka’s absence during this crucial time of the year.

The injury crisis at Arsenal continues, with Mikel Arteta’s squad struggling since the season’s outset. The latest development has confirmed the team’s worst fears.

Following a month-long absence of captain Martin Odegaard during the Premier League due to international breaks, Saka is now set to miss the festive season and possibly beyond.

The talented winger sustained an injury during the first half of the 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace, with no opponent in proximity, leading to his immediate substitution by Leandro Trossard and a swift exit down the tunnel.

Arteta has since disclosed the severity of the injury, indicating that Saka will be out for “many weeks” due to a hamstring issue.

“It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks,” the Arsenal manager stated. “It’s a significant setback, but we must rise to the challenge once again.”

Saka has been instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence, contributing five goals and ten assists this season, more than any other player in the club.

With Saka unavailable, the Gunners will need to explore alternative options, with Gabriel Jesus potentially stepping in for the winger, while Gabriel Martinelli took over for the remainder of the match against Crystal Palace.

When asked about the situation, Arteta mentioned that up to four players could adapt to fill the gap.

“Gabi [Martinelli] has played there, Ethan [Nwaneri] has played there, Leo [Trossard] can play there depending on how the unit operates.

“Kai [Havertz] can also take on that role. We will discuss this with them and gauge their feelings about it.”

In further disappointing news for Arsenal, another key player has been ruled out for nearly the same duration as Saka.

Another Arsenal player out due to knee injury

Loanee forward Raheem Sterling has also sustained an injury and will be unavailable for several weeks.

The England international, who joined from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, has faced challenges in securing playing time in north London.

With Saka now sidelined, it would have been an ideal moment for Sterling to make an impact, but he was not included in the squad for the match against Crystal Palace.

Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Sterling is also dealing with an injury.

When asked about the 30-year-old, Arteta stated that, similar to Saka, he will be out for “weeks.”

“He’s going to be out for weeks. He requires further tests tomorrow to assess the severity of his injury. It’s his knee.”

Current injury status for Arsenal

Player Injury

Expected return

Bukayo Saka – Hamstring – February

Raheem Sterling – Knee – February

Oleksandr Zinchenko – Unknown – December

Takehiro Tomiyasu – Knee – Unknown

Ben White – Knee – March

This situation adds to Arsenal’s ongoing injury woes, which have already seen Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori miss matches in recent weeks, jeopardizing their pursuit of the Premier League title.

With January approaching, the club may need to consider the transfer market for reinforcements.