Arsenal fans’ worst fears came true as Bukayo Saka suffered an injury while on international duty with England against Greece.
The Gunners have had terrible luck with injuries this season. Arsenal lost Martin Odegaard during September’s international break, while Riccardo Calafiori also came back with a calf problem.
The Italian only missed one game but Odegaard is still out after his nasty ankle injury. Arsenal have missed their skipper, but now, they could be dealt an even bigger blow.
There is a chance Saka could join Odegaard on the sidelines at Arsenal.
How Arsenal could replace Bukayo Saka if his injury is serious
Saka picked up a strong knock against Greece on Thursday night but decided to continue playing.
Then, in the second half, the England international pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury and went to ground.
After the doctors had a look, the decision was made to withdraw Saka, and the Arsenal number seven limped off the pitch.
Interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley claimed after the game that Saka was being assessed by England’s doctors, but no official diagnosis has been released.
If it is indeed a hamstring injury, there is a chance Saka will be out for a few weeks. That would be a humongous blow for Arsenal as he is their most important player in attack.
Replacing him will not be easy – it’s nearly impossible. But, Arteta has three options he could turn to if his star number seven is sidelined:
Raheem Sterling:
Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, and if Saka is out injured, it will open the door for the 29-year-old to show what he’s worth.
Sterling has a ton of experience and has proven he can play on the right flank without any trouble. He will likely be the first one Arteta will turn to if Saka’s injury rules him out of the game against Bournemouth after the international break.
Gabriel Jesus:
Gabriel Jesus has had a disappointing start to the 2023/24 season. The Brazilian looked in great shape in pre-season, but he suffered another injury at the start of the campaign and looks nowhere near his best.
The former Manchester City man could now get an opportunity at right wing if Saka is out injured. He has played there before and performed fairly well. This could well be the break Jesus needs to get some consistent minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri:
Ethan Nwaneri would be the most exciting option to replace Saka. The teenager is naturally a number 10, but he is more than capable of playing on the right flank.
It would be a huge ask for Nwaneri to fill Saka’s boots, but his performances so far this season have been really promising. We think he’s good enough to get the job done if given an opportunity.
Arteta has two other options to replace Saka but they’re not ideal
Sterling, Jesus and Nwaneri are the best options for Arteta to turn to in case Saka is sidelined for a few games after the international break.
The trio is more than good enough to do the required job there, but there are two other choices for Arteta in case he really needs them.
Gabriel Martinelli was deployed on the right wing towards the end of last season, while Leandro Trossard is also versatile enough to play there.
However, using them on the right instead of in their best positions is far from ideal. We think Arteta should not even consider them to play in Saka’s position.
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