Medical expert explains how long Bukayo Saka could be out for as most 'likely' injury outcome revealed

A medical expert has revealed how long Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka could be out after he was withdrawn during the first half of the Gunners’ 5-1 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

Saka, 23, started the game against Oliver Glasner’s side but was forced off with an injury on the 25-minute mark.

His absence did not affect Mikel Arteta's side too much as they romped to an impressive 5-1 win against their fellow London-based side, with Gabriel Jesus (x2), Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice all getting on the score sheet.

Of course, Saka is arguably Arsenal’s most important player, having netted nine goals and registered 13 assists in 24 competitive appearances this season.

With a busy few weeks ahead, Arteta will no doubt be hoping that the player’s injury is not too severe as his side are set to face Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton in the space of a week before a FA Cup third-round clash with Manchester United on January 12.

After Saturday’s match, Arteta revealed how he believes Arsenal are in a title race but conceded that he was “really worried” after seeing Saka limp off.

“He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue, and he’ll have to be assessed,” said Arteta in his post-match press conference.

“So, we’re really worried about that one.”

Now, an update has emerged about the potential severity of the England international’s injury.

Bukayo Saka picked up an injury against Crystal Palace on Saturday (Credit:Getty)

X account @Physioscout, which examines and analyses Premier League player’s injuries, posted about Saka’s current fitness concern.

“It's extremely hard to predict the time-length of muscle injuries based on video, but the reaction and the use of crutches points towards at least a muscle strain, rather than tightness,” said an explanation posted to X.

“This is more likely a grade 1/2 hamstring strain,” read the post.

“Would be very unlucky if he suffered a grade 3, but that is more correlated with injuries higher up on the hamstring.”

A report from The Times suggested that the player could miss between four to six weeks.

But Saka has previously returned from injuries quicker than expected, having pulled out of England’s squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures in November after picking up a knock in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.