Bukayo Saka holding his hamstring in pain. (Image: Getty.)
was , having hobbled off during 5-1 win against , prompting big injury fears among the Gunners ranks.
“He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn’t continue,” said after the game. “He will have to be assessed, so really worried about that one.”
Saka had been competing in his 250th appearance at the age of 23 and without a natural replacement on the right, Arteta may have to get creative in order to find a solution if the man is out long-term.
Here, Express Sport has taken a look at some internal and external options for to consider…
Gabriel Martinelli
When Saka departed against Palace, replaced by Leandro Trossard, it was not clear who out of the Belgian, Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli would shuffle over to the right flank.
The latter trundled over and produced one of his best displays of the season. He bagged a goal on the hour mark and created numerous chances, , emphatically showcasing his readiness to step in for Saka if necessary.
Gabriel Martinelli flourished on the right against Crystal Palace. (Image: Getty)
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has been one of the standout wingers since were promoted in 2021, and the Cameroon forward will not be short of suitors if he decides to leave west London in January or the summer.
Brentford will not want to part ways with their talisman during the season, but his contract is up in 2026 and the earlier they sell Mbeumo, the larger fee they will be able to fetch.
claim that the club placed a £50million price tag on Mbeumo in October, which will give plenty to think about as they look for someone who can step into Saka’s boots and perform immediately.
Marcus Rashford
time at appears to be coming towards an unceremonious end, with the forward left out of squad again for their visit of to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Arteta has not been afraid to shop from ’s rivals previously and Havertz has been one of the boss’ biggest success stories, having arrived from for £60m.
Rashford would likely arrive a similar price and Arteta may back himself to return Rashford back to a 30-goal-a-season forward, which could begin on the right in place of Saka in January before earmarking a place on his favoured left flank.
Marcus Rashford has been frozen out at Manchester United. (Image: Getty)
Raheem Sterling
“You’re about to see the best of me.”
Those were among first words after sealing a deadline-day loan move to from . However, the 30-year-old comments are yet to be realised and he has swiftly become a forgotten man.
He has made just two league starts for the Gunners and hit the back of the net once in all competitions, in a 5-1 win over in September.
But he has been handed an unlikely lifeline in Saka’s absence and will need to grab that opportunity with both hands in order to land a permanent contract at the Emirates.