Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been filmed leaving Selhurst Park on crutches after limping off in the first-half of his side’s win at Crystal Palace. The 5-1 win was soured for manager Mikel Arteta by the sight of the 23-year-old disappearing down the tunnel after 25 minutes, having immediately clutched the back of his right leg after making a pass.
Initially, it appeared like a hamstring problem, but the forward seemed to receive lengthy treatment on his knee before being replaced by Leandro Trossard.
And now footage has appeared on social media of the player making his way out of the stadium, flanked by a physio and a club member of staff.
The England international now almost certainly faces another spell on the sidelines. He’s already missed almost six weeks of the 2024/25 campaign, after injuring his hamstring on Three Lions duty in October.
The Gunners were 2-1 up when faced with the blow, although didn’t let the injury affect them as they struck three more times without reply. But afterwards, Arteta admitted he development was a major cause for concern.
“He could not continue, he had to be assessed,” he said, “We are pretty worried. I don’t know how serious. He had to come off, he felt something, it’s not good news obviously. So we wait.”
Saka has played 23 times in all competition this season, scoring nine goals. He also has the most amount of assists in the Premier League in 2024/25 with 10, and helped tee up Gabriel Jesus for the opener at Palace.
It was the second time the north-London side have beaten Oliver Glasner’s team this week, following the League Cup win on Wednesday. A busy festive period now awaits, with league games on December 27, New Year’s Day and January 4.
And later on next month, Arsenal face Manchester United in the FA Cup, before a derby with Tottenham three days later. And Arteta blasted the schedule, accusing organisers of causing injuries within teams.
“The demands are incredible to play every three days for 12 or 13 weeks is crazy,” he said. “We are trying our best. We have lost some players, it is happening to every team. We want to try.”
The victory cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to six points. However, the Reds have two games in hand, starting with a trip to Tottenham tomorrow afternoon.
