Bukayo Saka’s record against Arsenal’s next five opponents spells dreadful news for Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal are preparing for life without Bukayo Saka as the winger faces the foreseeable future on the sidelines.

After Saka was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches, fear set in regarding the forward’s fitness.

Following Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka will be out for weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.

The prognosis of a hamstring injury indicates that the Hale End graduate will miss a considerable chunk of action, starting with Arsenal’s festive fixtures. 

Bukayo Saka’s record against Arsenal’s next five opponents

As Arsenal bid to make up ground on Liverpool and Chelsea above them in the Premier League table, the difficulty of such has just increased.

Saka will be a significant miss to the Gunners, who will have to call on other sources of inspiration to drag them through the forward’s absence.

Still, Arsenal have to move on without Saka’s brilliance, which will be incredibly challenging given that the wide player has directly contributed to 44% of the North Londoners’ Premier League goals this season.

On the topic of goal contributions, the next five games in all competitions look bleak for Arsenal when considering Saka’s record against the upcoming opponents.

Excluding Ipswich Town, whom Saka has never faced at senior level, the winger has a total of nine goals and 10 assists against the Gunners’ other four upcoming rivals. 

That’s 19 goals that would not have been possible without Saka against Brentford, Brighton, Newcastle and Manchester United, telling of the severity of his absence.

How Arteta will bridge the gap during the 23-year-old’s absence is one thing, but learning to tactically adapt without his brilliance is another.

Replacing Saka is near-impossible

Where would Arsenal be without Saka?

15 goals worse-off in the Premier League is where – emphasising what Arteta must do to cope without his talent. 

Not only must the Gunners find a way to replenish in the goal department without the academy graduate, but in all areas of the pitch as well. 

No Arsenal player averages more key passes, shots, dribbles or crosses per game than Saka in the Premier League this season, via WhoScored, calling on others to step up.

It’s a nightmare scenario for Arsenal, despite being told that now is the perfect time to lose Saka to injury, with a lot riding on the upcoming fixtures.