Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta
Josh Lawless
A surprise loan option has emerged for Arsenal after they were hit with a devastating Bukayo Saka injury blow.
Saka is set for an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery after suffering a hamstring problem against Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta said he was "really worried” after Saka was forced off after 25 minutes, later predicting the England international would be out for "many weeks".
He has now undergone successful surgery after suffering three hamstring issues this season and is expected to miss around two months of the season.
It is a huge hit to Arsenal's Premier League title chances given Saka's importance and the fact he has nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games in all competitions this season.
Arsenal are in desperate need of a new attacking player and the Evening Standard have provided a breakdown of potential business for the Gunners.
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In attack, both Athletic Club's Nico Williams and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig were both targets in the summer but neither are set be on the move in January - as is the case with Newcastle United bagsman Alexander Isak.
With January proving to be a difficult market for business, it's suggested that a short-term loan go could be the way to go. Paris Saint-Germain and France international Randal Kolo Muani has been touted as a possible option, while it's noted that his compatriot Kingsley Coman was available for loan in the summer transfer window and could remain a solution.
Coman is believed to have decided to leave Bayern Munich in the summer before performing a U-turn and staying put, playing 19 times and scoring four goals in all competitions.
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However, he has only completed 90 minutes twice in the Bundesliga, with the likes of Leroy Sane and Michael Olise preferred by Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal beat Ipswich 1-0 in their first game without Saka, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal. Gabriel Martinelli lined up on the right flank, with Leandro Trossard playing off the left.
After the win, Arteta said he was not anticipating a return for Saka anytime soon.
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"He had a procedure," Arteta said.
"Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.
"I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don't know exactly how much longer.
"It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let's see, it's very difficult to say."
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Currently six points off leaders Liverpool, Arsenal are back in action on New Year's Day when they take on Brentford.