Phenomenal Arsenal star has been ruled out for weeks after new injury like Bukayo saka.
Arsenal supporters are anxiously awaiting updates on Bukayo Saka’s injury after the star player was forced off during the team’s impressive 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening. However, the Gunners could face additional setbacks with Raheem Sterling also ruled out for an extended period. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Sterling, who is on loan from Chelsea, is expected to be sidelined “for weeks” due to a knee issue.
Saka, who has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, limped off in the second half of the game in south London. His absence comes at a critical stage of the season as Arsenal navigate a busy fixture schedule. Saka has been the standout performer for the team, and losing him is a significant blow. Meanwhile, Sterling’s unavailability adds further complications to Arteta’s squad, leaving the manager with limited options on the wings.
Speaking about Sterling’s situation, Arteta described the Chelsea loanee as “phenomenal” but acknowledged that his knee injury requires additional testing. “He is going to be out for weeks. He needs some further testing tomorrow,” Arteta stated. This update comes as a setback for the player, who had joined Arsenal on loan after falling out of favor at Chelsea. Under new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Sterling found himself behind players such as Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho in the pecking order. Consequently, he made the switch to Arsenal in search of more playing opportunities.
While Sterling hasn’t been at his peak form for Arsenal, his experience and versatility have proven valuable. The 29-year-old winger has made six Premier League appearances for the Gunners, registering one assist in a win over Nottingham Forest in November. In addition, Sterling played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s League Cup campaign, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the third-round victory against Bolton Wanderers. His contributions have helped Arsenal secure a spot in the semi-finals of the competition, demonstrating his importance to the squad.
However, the primary concern for Arsenal fans remains Saka, whose performances this season have been nothing short of sensational. The 22-year-old winger has delivered an incredible 22 goals and assists in just 24 matches across all competitions. This includes five goals and an impressive 10 assists in the Premier League, making him one of the most influential players in the league. His ability to create and convert chances has been crucial for Arsenal, and his absence could pose a significant challenge for the team as they aim to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal currently sit six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race. The Reds, who have a game in hand, could extend their lead to nine points, making the coming weeks even more critical for the Gunners. Saka’s injury could disrupt Arsenal’s momentum at a time when every point matters in the race for silverware. Arteta will need to rely on other members of his squad to step up in Saka’s absence, particularly with Sterling also unavailable.
The timing of these injuries could hardly be worse for Arsenal, as they face a demanding run of fixtures across multiple competitions. With their depth on the wings now depleted, Arteta will have to explore alternative solutions to maintain Arsenal’s competitive edge. Both Saka and Sterling’s recoveries will be closely monitored, as their returns could prove decisive in Arsenal’s quest for success this season.
For now, Arsenal fans can only hope for positive news regarding Saka’s condition and a swift recovery for Sterling. Both players are integral to the team’s ambitions, and their contributions will be crucial as the Gunners strive to keep pace in the title race and continue their impressive run in cup competitions.