As many as 11 players could miss tonight’s Premier League clash between Arsenal and Ipswich Town – with one very significant absentee missing from Mikel Arteta’s squad.
According to Arteta, Bukayo Saka is set to miss “many weeks” with his hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace last Saturday. The winger was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutches after the match, having been forced off just over 20 minutes into the game.
Arteta has not been able to provide a recovery timeline as yet. “It’s a huge [blow]. Obviously he’s a big player for us,” the Spaniard said on Monday.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling – who is seen as Saka’s back-up on the right – is also set for a spell on the sidelines. The 30-year-old has picked up a knee injury and was due to undergo further testing but is also expected to be out for a number of weeks.
Alternative right-wing options could include Gabriel Jesus, who has scored five goals in his last two matches, both against Palace – a hat-trick in the League Cup quarter-final win and a brace in the league on Saturday.
Ethan Nwaneri also has the ability to play in the role, while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could be asked to move over from the left flank. However, it would seem likely Jesus gets the nod given his recent scoring feats.
