“It's not looking good”
Saka played just 24 minutes of Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 win at Selhurst Park last Saturday before leaving the game with an injury. He was seen after the match walking with crutches.
When asked about Saka’s injury status in his Arsenal vs. Ipswich prematch press conference, Arteta did not mince words and revealed that this injury could be a long-term one.
“It's not looking good,” Arteta said, “He's going to be out for many weeks. I cannot be too specific because I don't know, but it will be many weeks.”
The Spaniard also revealed that this latest injury has been hard on Saka, who has been battling with injuries all this year.
“He was gutted. You can tell that he has not been injured because he was really, really emotional and really down.
“And we need to lift him up. It is a big part of his job. And he will be fine but he is going to need a few days. He will immediately realise that he is so important in that dressing room.”
However, Arteta said that Saka will have to avoid getting too down for the sake of the rest of the team.
“His energy level, his body language, and how he communicates with the rest of the team has to be really good because it is the only way at the moment he can help, so he better do that well.”
Huge blow to title chances
Arsenal are currently a distant third in the EPL table and are third favourites to win the title according to the betting sites. They are not completely out of race yet though.
With that being said, Arteta admitted that his side’s chances of winning the EPL this season.
“It's a huge (blow),” the Arsenal manager said, “ He's obviously a big player for us. You just have to see the impact that he has on the team.
“ It's going to be a really good exercise for us to think of ways to overcome another challenge because we've had a lot over the season.”
Arsenal previously struggled this season when Martin Ødegaard missed time with an ankle injury. If they do the same without Saka, it’s hard to see them gaining ground on Liverpool and Chelsea in the title race this season.
Saka replacements limited
One of the biggest reasons it is hard to predict Arsenal doing well without Saka is because they do not have anyone to replace him.
Saka has nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season. No Arsenal player can replicate that productivity.
Raheem Sterling, who is the most natural fit to deputize for Saka, is also out “for weeks” according to Arteta.
With Saka and Sterling out, the Gunners boss says that he is “ putting some ideas together” on how to replace him.
“I haven't got there yet. But I have a few (ideas),” Arteta said, “Then I want to speak with the players as well to understand how we are going to generate that and take it in a positive way. Because that is going to mean we are going to be different.”
Conclusion
Thankfully for Gunners fans, Arsenal should not need Saka to beat Ipswich Town this Friday. The Tractor Boys are 19th in the table and Arsenal have not lost to a newly-promoted EPL side at home in 41 matches. Our EPL predictions have Arsenal winning this easily.
