Arteta Reveals Arsenal’s January Transfer Plans After Saka Injury

Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow after Mikel Arteta revealed a “really emotional” Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for “many weeks” with a hamstring tear.

Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches after sustaining an injury to his right leg during the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

And the England international, who has scored nine times and created 12 goals in the Premier League and Champions League so far this season, now faces a sustained period on the sidelines.

“It’s not looking good,” said Arteta about his star man. “He’s going to be out for many weeks. I cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many weeks.

“It’s a huge blow. He’s a big player for us and you just have to see the impact that he has had on the team. But it’s going to be a really good exercise for us to think of ways to overcome another challenge because we’ve had a lot over the season.”

Matches Saka will Miss

Saka’s injury arrives at a crucial moment for Arsenal, as they face nine matches in January. This includes an FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United and the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, following their final game of 2024 against Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday.

In a further setback for Arteta, the Spaniard announced that he will be without Raheem Sterling, who was the clear backup option for Saka, for an extended period. The on-loan Chelsea winger sustained a knee injury before Arsenal’s victory at Palace.

“He (Sterling) is going to be out for weeks I believe,” said Arteta. “He needs further testing tomorrow (Tuesday) to understand the extent of his injury. Unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a while.”

Arteta insisted Saka, who has missed only seven league matches in the past three-and-a-half seasons, would be back before the conclusion of the campaign.

But he admitted his player is struggling to come to terms with the setback.

“He (Saka) was gutted,” continued Arteta. “You can tell that he has not been injured because he was emotional and down.

“And we need to lift him. It is a big part of his job. He will be fine but he is going to need a few days.

“He will immediately realize that he is so important in that dressing room. His energy level, his body language, and how he communicates with the rest of the team has to be good because it is the only way at the moment he can help, so he better do that well.”

The injuries to both Saka and Sterling leave Arsenal exposed on the right-hand side. Gabriel Martinelli could switch from the left wing as he did at Crystal Palace following Saka’s withdrawal while Gabriel Jesus has also operated on the right.

However, following Jesus’ recent goal glut, Arteta might prefer that the Brazilian remains as a number nine. And the Spaniard did not rule out moving into the transfer market to find cover for Saka and Sterling.

“I don’t know,” he replied when asked if he would look to sign a winger next month. “My intention right now is to get the best out of what we have. What is outside is not in our control.

“The preparation is done and we are ready if something happens. We didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more that it would be if something happened in the defensive line.

“If something has to happen, we will be open. But the main focus is now and how we can extract a lot of potential from this squad.”

The Gunners head into Christmas in third place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool and having played one match more.