Bukayo Saka is set to miss "many weeks" due to a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace. Manager Mikel Arteta described the injury as a "huge" blow, with Saka forced off midway through the first half and replaced by Leandro Trossard. Arteta confirmed the 23-year-old winger, who has been pivotal with nine goals and 13 assists this season, will be sidelined for several weeks, but could not provide a more specific timeline.

Arteta emphasized the challenge of losing such an important player but said it would offer the team an opportunity to adapt. He added that Saka was "gutted" and "really emotional" upon learning the full extent of the injury.

In addition, winger Raheem Sterling is also set for a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury. Arteta mentioned the possibility of making creative adjustments internally and suggested that signing a new winger in January was not certain.

While Arteta expressed confidence that Saka would return before the end of the season, he acknowledged that injuries are part of player development. He also noted the impact of heavy workloads across multiple seasons, particularly for players like Saka and Declan Rice, who have played over 130 games in two years.