Bukayo Saka Arsenal injury fears from hell are far from over for those Asenal fans. A day after undergoing hamstring surgery in December, the Gunners ace was initially predicted to be fit to play by March. Recent reports suggest his recovery will take two more months, leaving us adding injury time before Mikel Arteta name any other players for April.
One more week for Mikel Arteta side as Gabriel Jesus & Kai Havertz suffer fresh injuries; understandably, Ncw club will not rush Saka back into action with his long-term fitness over short-term gains.
The Club of North London knows better than to rush Saka back into the action on a precautionary basis, so as the long-term fitness of that lad, what does that mean for the Premier League and Champions League for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s Never-Ending Injury Crisis
Gunners: Injury Chronicles appears to be the working title of an upcoming medical drama where Arsenal are starring in their own version of course It started poorly for the club with injuries at the back but the crisis has migrated up a level.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have already been written off for the rest of the season, meaning Arteta has an even skinnier squad to navigate these crucial games.
It is only adding insult to injury for Saka to miss the game, and fans were hoping that he could return soon. Indeed, in the club’s midseason training camp, the England international has been found doing some light work in Dubai—a positive sign.
That said, Arsenal remain wary, determined to avoid a repeat performance too soon.
Saka’s Road to Recovery: What’s Next?
So when is the first time we are going to see Saka play as an Arsenal player again? The return date is still no closer than it was, but April at least seems to be the aim. There have been no official statements from Arsenal, but with their slow hands, this is probably not the year to see Saka playing competitively.
Arsenal’s attackers are going to have to fill in the blank for now without their enigmatic youth. Now, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are going to have to step up with Arteta looking to restructure his system without Saka.
How Will Saka’s Injury Impact Arsenal’s Title Race?
This injury could not have come at a worse time. Arsenal are neck and neck at the summit of the Premier League; they are on a Champions League mission. Every game will count; Manchester City and Liverpool are right on their heels.
Saka signed off on Wednesday by falling below the Arsenal averages; without him, the last clear outlet up front.
He finished, and the people of Arsenal have benefitted hugely with his dribbling and vision. Martinelli and Trossard could act as fine foils for Pulisic, but neither are quite at the level. The onus now rests on the shoulders of captain Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice.
Saka’s injury: A blessing in disguise?
Just maybe this injury is going to be a blessing in disguise, hot take Here Saka had nearly every game in the bag, over-minuted for club and country. A short and forced layoff may give him a chance to come back more fit, fresher and faster for Arsenal’s pivotal final eight matches.
Also, this phase might drive Arteta to test other formation options, as the 34-year-old could get more rotation out of the squad.
Who knows? When Saka comes back, Arsenal could be hot, and that’s the right push to lead a title charge.
My Two Cents: Arsenal’s Gamble
I cannot help but feel this is a massive gamble as an Arsenal fan (or more specifically someone who will always watch the team unravel for entertainment). I think I get it on one hand; we don’t want to rush Saka back too soon. On the flip side, Arsenal needs their main men fit for this make-or-break season.
If I were Arteta (sadly, I am not), I would probably play it safe and keep Saka out until he was 100%, rather than risk losing points. Saka half fit in April is better than Sewn Saka for life sidelines.Sure, football is a curse, and that new hero might even come from Arsenal.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
