Bukayo Saka breaks his silence on Arsenal injury nightmare with message to fans

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has broken his silence after suffering a devastating injury blow.

Saka, who has scored nine goals for the Gunners this season, suffered a hamstring injury in the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace and given it was the third issue this season, it was decided that the England international undergo surgery.

In his absence, Arsenal won 1-0 against Ipswich on Friday thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz. But a day later and Saka issued an update to fans on his situation, sharing a message on Instagram.

Alongside a picture of him in a hospital bed, Saka wrote: "The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger ! Thank you all for your messages."

Bukayo Saka shared a picture of him after his operation. Image: Instagram/@bukayosaka87

Saka was inundated with supportive comments wishing him well for his recovery and hoping he returns to the pitch sooner rather than later.

But the reality is that Saka is set for an extended period on the sidelines, with Mikel Arteta predicting that he will be absent for more than two months - though any comeback will depending on how well his scar tissue heals.

"He had a procedure," Arteta said after the win over Ipswich.

"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."

Against Ipswich, Arteta elected to play both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in wide areas, with the latter lining up on the right flank.

Gabriel Martinelli played on the left against Ipswich. Image: Getty

Loan signing Raheem Sterling can also play on the left or right and Arteta has said he expects the former City star to return sooner than anticipated after picking up a knee injury.

But Arsenal could look to the loan market again, with France pair Randal Kolo Muani and Kingsley Coman touted as possible options to replace Saka.

Arsenal are back in action on New Year's Day when they travel to Brentford.