Arteta gives POSITIVE Saka injury update but sends ‘BIG TROUBLE’ message

Robin Bairner

14 Feb 2025 10:04 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not short of problems as the Gunners chase Liverpool in the Premier League title race, with an attack decimated by injuries to key figures, including Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

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Havertz was the latest player to go down, with the club confirming on Thursday that the Germany international will be out until the end of the season with a hamstring problem.

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Bukayo Saka

F, M (R)

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

F, M (R)

Arsenal

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€111.9M - €136.8M

The Gunners are already without Gabriel Martinelli until late March due to injury while Gabriel Jesus is a long-term absentee, leaving the attack threadbear.

Rumours circulated that Bukayo Saka had suffered a setback in his return from injury, which is pencilled in for the latter part of March, further casting scrutiny on Arsenal’s decision not to sign an attacker in January.

“We always knew that we were an injury or two away. But when you try everything you can, we have to deal with it,” he said.

© IMAGO - Bukayo Saka's influence is being missed by Arsenal

Arteta, though, says Saka is making the expected progress, flatly replying: “No,” when asked if the 23-year-old had suffered what The Express described as a “horror setback”.

“We have a long-term injury, what is faster? In a ten-day injury, three days is a lot,” the Spaniard replied on Saka.

“But it's too early, he's in an early stage of rehab. When we do more we will stack on more load.”

How did Kai Havertz get injured?

Giving an update on the Havertz situation, he said the problem came out of the blue.

“We were having a great camp in Dubai, recharging, training. Reconnecting with nature then the injury happened in a very unexpected way,” he said.

“He was going to stop a shot. He stretched his leg and he’s done his hamstring.

“It's a big blow because of the injuries we have. Unfortunately, we have dealt with many injuries this season.”

© IMAGO - Kai Havertz: Season over due to hamstring injury

Arsenal boss laughs off striker suggestion

Arteta had various suggestions as to who might fill in at striker thrown at him – including someone who suggested he pull his boots back on to play No.9.

“I think we’ll be in big trouble if that happens…” he joked.

The Arsenal boss gave little away with regards who might play as his centre-forward in the weeks ahead, but Leandro Trossard is expected to fill the role of a false 9.