What Mikel Arteta just said about replacing Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling with Arsenal’s January transfer plans

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Mikel Arteta has been hit with a double injury blow at the worst time for Arsenal as the festive period commences.

Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 win over Crystal Palace was overshadowed by injury, as the Gunners lost Bukayo Saka in the first half.

The academy graduate limped off before the half-hour mark at Selhurst Park and looked to be in real discomfort as he clutched his hamstring.

Saka will be out for weeks as a result, in what is a major blow to Arsenal’s hopes of silverware. 

• READ MORE: How long Bukayo Saka will be out for as torn hamstring injury details explained in Arsenal nightmare

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal won’t replace Bukayo Saka in January transfer window

While Saka’s injury will take centre stage, the forward is not the only member of the Arsenal squad to be struck down.

Arteta also revealed that Raheem Sterling is nursing a knee injury, a blow that will see the Chelsea loanee out of action for ‘weeks’.

It’s not the update that fans would have wanted to hear, as Arsenal’s search to replace Saka gets underway as the fixtures come thick and fast. 

Fortunately, amid an action-packed few weeks in the Premier League, EFL Cup and FA Cup schedule comes the January transfer window.

While some would expect the latest injury news to prompt Arteta to explore the upcoming winter market, the Arsenal manager has a different idea.

When asked whether the Gunners will be active in the transfer window now that they’ve suffered a double injury blow, Arteta responded; “My intention right now is to get the best of what we have.”

The boss’ statement will infuriate some Arsenal fans, who already believe that the squad is short going forward, concerns that aren’t eased by losing two key players.

Raheem Sterling transfer error made even clearer by injury update

Losing Saka is a magnificent blow for Arsenal but, losing Sterling should not be overlooked as a result.

The 30-year-old would’ve surely been in line to take Saka’s vacant position on the right side however, such is not meant to be as the loanee will join his teammate on the sidelines. 

It only reinforces the weakness of the decision to sign Sterling on deadline day, where it was too late to bring a winger of true quality to support Saka.

Now, Arsenal are left in a position where the player brought in to challenge the Hale End product is not fit enough nor up to standard to cover the Englishman’s absence.

It was a massive blunder by Edu Gaspar and Arteta during the summer, with the Gunners now having the pay the price at a crucial time in the season.