Bukayo Saka Injury: Progress and Potential Return Date

Key Points:

• Bukayo Saka sustained a hamstring injury before Christmas, sidelining him for at least two months.
• Arsenal are struggling without their star winger, who has proven instrumental in their attack.
• Mikel Arteta aims to bring Saka back as soon as possible, with a return potentially in late February or March.

Injury Overview

Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow with the long-term absence of Bukayo Saka. The winger sustained a hamstring injury during the 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on 21 December, leaving the pitch after just 24 minutes. Scans revealed the severity of the injury, and Saka underwent surgery shortly after.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka would be sidelined for at least two months, and the recovery process remains uncertain. While Saka has been spotted around the Arsenal training ground, he is still some way from a full return.

Recovery Timeline

Back in December, Arteta stated:
“He has had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks. It will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer. It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, and the mobility of that. It is very difficult to say.”

Recent updates suggest that Saka could potentially return by late February, with a more likely return date in March. Arteta highlighted Saka’s mental and physical preparation, noting his eagerness to return but emphasizing patience as he navigates this lengthy recovery period.

Impact on Arsenal

Since Saka’s injury, Arsenal have struggled to maintain their attacking momentum. The Gunners have lacked creativity and consistency, failing to capitalize on opportunities in key matches. Gabriel Jesus’ injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United has further weakened their attacking depth, leaving Arteta with limited options in the forward line.

Arsenal’s current senior forwards — Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and on-loan Raheem Sterling — are not in particularly impressive form, intensifying the need for reinforcements during the January transfer window.

Who Could Replace Bukayo Saka?

With limited attacking alternatives, Arsenal are looking at potential signings to ease the void left by Saka. One option heavily linked is Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has been in excellent form with 13 Premier League goals this season. While Mbeumo could prove an expensive solution, he presents a viable option to fill the void on the right wing.

Other alternatives include Nico Williams, although his preference for playing on the left might limit his suitability for a direct replacement. Pedro Neto was another summer target, but Chelsea swiftly secured his services, leaving Arsenal to explore alternative solutions.

Games Bukayo Saka Will Miss

If Saka does not return until March, he could miss at least 10 additional games, including pivotal fixtures across three competitions:

• Premier League: North London Derby, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest
• Champions League: Dinamo Zagreb, Girona
• Carabao Cup: Newcastle United (second leg of semi-final)

Arsenal will undoubtedly miss Saka’s creativity and attacking influence, hoping for a swift recovery to salvage their campaign and push for silverware.