On Saturday, December 21st, Arsenal graced Selhurst Park for a clash against Crystal Palace, their second encounter in just four days. This time, they cruised to an even more crushing 5–1 victory, recording back-to-back victories over the Eagles. But somewhere in the fun, there was an ominous tinge of tragedy. Bukayo Saka, the Gunners beating heart, pulled off after 24 minutes, clutching what appeared to be a muscle injury. It was an Arsenal injury that left a bittersweet taste to a brilliant performance.
Arsenal Injury Potentially Fatal for Team’s Silverware Chances
This 23-year-old Englishman has been one of Arsenal’s breakout stars over the past few seasons. And he’s done even more than that this year, netting 9 goals and 13 assists over 24 games. Bukayo Saka passes 250 games, oh yeah, his 250th Arsenal game, a wonderful display of his ability and unrelenting consistency at Arsenal. But his 250th appearance for the Gunners ended in tragedy when he suffered an injury early in the game.
Arsenal’s Profound Reliance on Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka was so tenacious last season (2023/24) that he started 90% of Arsenal’s 52 matches, winning 66% of those matches. His individual output was equally mind-boggling, with 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 games. Saka is continuing to progress where he left off, featuring in 92% of Arsenal’s 24 games this season so far and already having 22 goals contributed.
Arsenal’s dependency on Bukayo Saka has undoubtedly reached deep levels — perhaps as much as Liverpool’s reliance on Mo Salah. The Gunners wouldn’t want to know what life is without Bukayo Saka. 45% of Arsenal’s attacks have been played on the right, thanks in no small part to Saka’s supreme workrate and imagination on the wing.
But with his potential absence looming in future matches, can Arsenal find someone to replicate that impact? Perhaps not.
Potential Temporary Replacements for Bukayo Saka Amidst His Injury
After Saturday’s game, Mikel Arteta voiced his concerns for both his team and 23-year-old Bukayo Saka, fearing the severity of the hamstring injury. Hope remains that it would be a mild hamstring case, especially given the jam-packed season Arsenal has ahead of them. Such worries are unsurprising, considering the Gunners lack an equally efficient replacement for Saka.
Nobody else in Arsenal’s squad has as much influence or output as Bukayo Saka on the wings. But if his injury is more severe, Arteta will have no choice but to turn to other players to fill the void. Some potential candidates include:
Raheem Sterling
The 30-year-old Premier League veteran has a good chance to steal some of Saka’s time. Although the loanee has appeared in just 11 games this season and only started 5 of them, Sterling’s experience and moments of brilliance may come in handy. He may not bring the regular burn like Saka, but his little sparks might give the opposition a much-needed kick in the pants.
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian, now injury-free, is another viable option. While Jesus has spent most of his time as a striker, he’s played 28 games on the right wing, scoring 8 goals and 10 assists. Given his current hot form, scoring 5 goals in his last 2 games, he might be a real nightmare for opposition defences out on the wing.
Gabriel Martinelli
Another Brazilian, Gabriel Martinelli, traditionally a left winger, also emerges as a viable option. Although not his usual spot on the right side of the Arsenal formation, he’s no novice to the job. When Bukayo Saka was substituted for Leandro Trossard, Martinelli took his place on the right wing — and he did not let up, finishing the game with a goal. Martinelli’s arrival on the right wing allows the winger to play more directly, which brings another dimension to Arsenal’s game. This may add a new twist to the Gunners’ attack and give Arteta another creative outlet in Saka’s absence.
At the end of the day, there’s only so much these replacements can do to fill Bukayo Saka’s role for Arsenal. With the winter transfer window quickly closing, Arteta may wish to reinforce his side with a player who can step in for Saka. In much the same way that Trossard is a reliable option in place of Martinelli on the left, having a similar option on the right may be vital to keeping Arsenal’s attacking ability alive in the face of setbacks.