Mikel Arteta gives worrying update on Bukayo Saka injury after Arsenal star forced off against Crystal Palace

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a worrying injury update on Bukayo Saka after the forward limped off during the Gunners' 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Arteta's side returned to third place in the Premier League table thanks to a first half brace from Gabriel Jesus and goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.

Jesus marked his first Premier League goal since January in the win, having netted a hat-trick during the midweek Carabao Cup victory over the same opposition.

The manner of the result will have pleased Arteta, though he will no doubt hope to iron out defensive errors in the first half.

But a major worry for the Gunners occurred in the first half when Saka was forced off injured.

He appeared to suffer a hamstring injury, which would be a recurrence of a similar problem he picked up in October on England duty.

However, Arteta's post-match comments following the Palace win indicate a concern that the injury could be more serious this time around.

He said: "He felt something in his hamstring. He will have to be assessed - he couldn't continue.

"Pretty worried about that one."

Saka was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches, in what will be another worrying sight for Arsenal supporters.

Saka leaving Palace on crutches, not looking great #arsenal pic.twitter.com/N3Jnd7bS8x

— Joao Castelo-Branco (@j_castelobranco) December 21, 2024

The 23-year-old has been crucial for Arsenal this season, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists in 16 Premier League appearances.

He is one of the first picks on Arteta's teamsheet and has been for a number of years, and the Gunners are also relatively short in attacking options on the right side.

Raheem Sterling was signed on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day in August but was not named in the matchday squad to face Palace. He has been regularly used in domestic cup competitions so far this season and sporadically seen in the Premier League.