Injuries force Arsenal to consider January reinforcements | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is weighing up potential reinforcements in the January transfer window after confirming Bukayo Saka has suffered a torn hamstring.

The England winger, one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, is set to be sidelined for an extended period, with Arteta describing the injury as “significant.”

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Saka, 23, who has contributed to 15 Premier League goals this term, was forced off during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace. He left Selhurst Park on crutches, visibly distressed, and Arteta revealed the forward’s emotional reaction reflected his unfamiliarity with prolonged injuries.

“He was gutted, you can tell that he’s not been injured because he was really emotional. He was really down and we need to lift him,” Arteta said.

“Obviously he’s a big player for us. You just have to see the impact that he has on the team, but it’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season.”

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While Arteta refrained from giving an exact timeline, initial assessments suggest Saka could miss up to 10 games, including fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa. Arsenal’s congested schedule includes Premier League clashes, Champions League group matches, a Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United, and an FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

Arsenal’s injury woes extend beyond Saka. Raheem Sterling, brought in on loan as a potential backup, is also undergoing assessment for a knee injury sustained in training. Defensive options are stretched thin, with Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all sidelined.

Arteta is considering reshuffling his attacking lineup to cover Saka’s absence. Gabriel Martinelli, who switched to the right wing against Palace, could remain in that role, while options such as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri, or Leandro Trossard may also be utilised.

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“I am putting ideas together,” the Arsenal manager said. “I haven’t got there yet, and then I want to speak with them to understand how we are going to generate things.”

Transfer plans

Arsenal’s thin squad, one of the smallest in the league at the start of the season, has heightened the need for reinforcements. While Arteta’s initial focus was on defensive signings, Saka’s injury may force the club to consider strengthening in other areas.

“If something unbelievable is available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it,” Arteta said.