How long will Bukayo Saka be sidelined for?

Arsenal fans were left deeply concerned after Bukayo Saka was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches following his withdrawal during the Gunners’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The winger was forced off midway through the first half, raising fears of a significant layoff at a critical point in the season, so how long will he be out for?

Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed Saka’s injury, saying, “He felt something in his hamstring. He couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed, so I’m pretty worried about that one.” The manager emphasised the difficulty of providing an early prognosis, adding, “It’s very difficult to [say] now – they have tested him inside but it’s very difficult to say how bad it is.”

Hamstring injuries can vary significantly in severity. A mild strain could see Saka return within two weeks, while a more severe tear could sideline him for months. The sight of Saka on crutches will only heighten concerns, particularly given Arteta’s acknowledgement of the packed fixture schedule: “Unfortunately, with the amount of games that we are playing, every three days with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me, but the team will react to that.”

Gary Jacob, writing in The Times on Monday, seems to believe that Saka will be sidelined for ‘several weeks’ but it’s not clear how much of this is guesswork based on what we all know about hamstring injuries and how Saka left Selhurst Park.

The timing of this injury could not be worse for Arsenal. With festive fixtures against Ipswich on Friday, Brentford on New Year’s Day, and Brighton three days later, the Gunners face a tight schedule that demands squad depth. Trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, Arsenal cannot afford to lose any more momentum in the title race.

Saka’s contribution to Arsenal’s attack this season has, as usual, been critical with five goals and 10 assists in just 16 matches. His ability to link play, stretch defences, and provide goals has made him one of the world’s standout performers. Replacing his influence on the pitch will be a daunting, if not impossible challenge, particularly with his back-up, Raheem Sterling, not only out of form, but injured as well.

The manager has often relied on Saka’s durability, but with this being the third hamstring problem for the England winger this season, questions will be raised about the workload placed on the 23-year-old. While Saka’s fitness has been a key asset in recent years, the relentless schedule of domestic and European fixtures appears to be taking a toll.

For now, Arsenal supporters will be hoping for positive news from Saka’s assessments in the coming days. However, with the festive period about to hit full swing, the club’s title hopes may hinge on how they cope without their talisman.

Hamstring injuries

Hamstring injuries are classified into three grades based on their severity. These grades help medical professionals determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans.

Grade 1 (Mild): A Grade 1 hamstring injury is a minor strain or pull, with only a few muscle fibres affected. There is usually mild pain and discomfort but no significant loss of strength or function. Recovery time for a Grade 1 injury is typically between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the individual and the specific injury.

Grade 2 (Moderate): A Grade 2 hamstring injury involves a partial tear of the muscle fibres. This results in more pain, swelling, and possible bruising. The individual might experience difficulty walking or have a limited range of motion. Recovery time for a Grade 2 injury is usually between 4 to 8 weeks.

Grade 3 (Severe): A Grade 3 hamstring injury is a complete tear or rupture of the muscle, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and significant loss of function. This type of injury may require surgical intervention, depending on the location and extent of the tear. Recovery time for a Grade 3 injury can range from 3 to 6 months, or even longer, depending on the severity and the individual’s healing process.

It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual, the quality of the rehabilitation program, and other factors.