Bukayo Saka has promised to return stronger after successfully undergoing surgery on his torn hamstring.

The Arsenal star is expected to be sidelined for around two months following the injury he sustained during the team’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich on Friday, Mikel Arteta confirmed Saka had undergone a procedure to address the issue.

Saka shared an update on Instagram, posting a photo from his hospital bed with the caption:”The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages #GodsPlan.”

Arteta echoed Saka’s optimism, saying: “He had a procedure. Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.”

Pressed further, the Arsenal manager added: “I said many weeks so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer. It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.”

Saka is a key player for Arsenal, who moved second in the Premier League with their narrow win over Ipswich on Friday night. Kai Havertz scored from Leandro Trossard’s cross to give them the three points, but Saka was missed in the edgy performance.

Arteta admitted that Arsenal will miss their star winger in the coming months. “It will be different,” he said. “We had moments in the second half. It is a unit that is new and will take time for players to understand fully.”

Bukayo Saka injured his hamstring at Selhurst Park ( Image: Getty Images)

The 23-year-old winger has nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances for Arsenal this season. Gabriel Martinelli was on the right wing against Ipswich, but struggled to live up to Saka’s high standards against the Tractor Boys.

“Very different we will evolve that,” Arteta said. “In the second half I liked it more. It will take a bit of time.”

Arsenal play Brentford next in the Premier League on New Year’s Day before another away day at Brighton. They will then turn their attention to the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle and the FA Cup third-round tie at home against Manchester United.