Sophia
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed significant concern over Bukayo Saka’s recurring hamstring injuries, vowing to “make him stronger” and thoroughly investigate the cause of his latest setback. The 23-year-old winger is expected to miss “a couple of weeks” after limping off against Leeds United, reigniting worries about his long-term fitness.
A Troubling Pattern Emerges
Saka’s current injury marks another chapter in a concerning history of hamstring and muscle issues. Last season, he endured a four-month absence following hamstring surgery in December, a period that many believe significantly hampered Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge. At the time of that injury, Saka was on track to break the Premier League’s single-season assist record, underscoring his immense value to the Gunners.
Beyond last season’s major layoff, Saka has experienced two other thigh or muscle problems in 2024, with additional minor similar issues reported in 2023 and 2020. This pattern raises questions about the demands placed on the young star and the club’s strategy for managing his workload.
Arteta’s Commitment to Understanding and Strengthening
Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash against reigning champions Liverpool, which Saka will miss, Arteta openly acknowledged his concern. “Especially when we talk about a sprinter, a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match, that needs that burst, that change of rhythm, of pace, to be as threatening as possible,” Arteta stated. “We’ll learn again why it happened, and make him stronger.”
The manager emphasized the club’s dedication to eradicating these setbacks. “Unfortunately, injuries are part of your career. He hasn’t had that many, to be fair, with the amount of games that he’s played at his age. [But injuries are] something that we want to eradicate for sure.”
A Less Severe But Still Disruptive Blow
Fortunately, this latest hamstring issue does not require surgery, a relief given last season’s extensive rehabilitation. However, Saka is still expected to be sidelined for “a couple of weeks,” meaning his return for the first game after the upcoming international break is not guaranteed.
“It’s not as bad as the previous one,” Arteta clarified. “Very unfortunate to pick it up because it’s on the other side. It’s an action that requires full power from him. Then, he clashes with the opponent, he needs to change pace again, and he felt something. So he will be out for a couple of weeks.”
For more updates on Bukayo Saka’s injury and Arsenal’s season, click here.
