Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s injury could’ve been a lot worse, had fears from the medical team been confirmed.
Bukayo Saka picked up a torn hamstring injury against Crystal Palace, with the star clutching his right leg before going to ground early in the match.
The issue was made even more concerning after the winger was pictured leaving Selhurst Park on crutches after the match.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka will miss “many weeks” through injury, with the star not expected to return for at least two months.
Arsenal had feared that the issue was much worse though, with an update claiming the doctors had to do something unusual for Bukayo Saka.
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Arsenal feared Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury was worse
One thing that Arsenal definitely didn’t want was a serious injury for Saka, with the star now set to be sidelined.
There will be some hope that he can return before the end of the season, though the hamstring tear is still a high-grade one.
It could’ve been much worse though, as the Daily Mail revealed that there were fears the star’s hamstring had detached from the bone entirely – in what is called a hamstring avulsion.
Such was the fear of the medical staff, they decided against waiting for the following day to complete some scans.
Instead, the scans were done on the same night, with the possible injury extent leading to a six-month recovery after surgery.
Fortunately for Saka and Arsenal, it seems as though the tear will keep him sidelined for a couple of months instead, though that’s hardly a good scenario.
In the meantime, Mikel Arteta will have his work cut out trying to get a replacement for the winger in his team.
What game will Bukayo Saka return from injury for?
It’s currently unknown exactly when Saka will be back in the squad, though a rough estimate would have him available again in late February or early March.
That will be dependent on how his hamstring recovers, with any setbacks or potential quick recovery likely to change the return date.
There are games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest in late February, while March has big matches against Manchester United and Chelsea waiting.
If Saka is able to get back to full fitness for them, or even before, it would come as a huge boost to Arsenal.
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