Bukayo Saka’s determination to be involved in Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham was evident, even as he navigates his recovery on crutches following hamstring surgery in December. The 21-year-old star was spotted observing his teammates during training, showcasing his commitment despite being sidelined until March.
Saka has been a crucial player for the Gunners, missing only nine Premier League games over the past four seasons. His injury during the 5-1 win against Crystal Palace was a significant loss for Mikel Arteta’s squad, as he had been instrumental with nine goals and 13 assists this season. After his surgery, Saka shared a positive message with fans from his hospital bed, emphasizing his resilience: “The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages.”
In Saka’s absence, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri stepped up, earning praise for his performances. Nwaneri had made headlines by becoming Arsenal’s youngest-ever player and had already scored three goals in the Carabao Cup. He made his Premier League debut against Brentford but was forced off against Brighton due to injury, adding to the team’s challenges.
Arsenal’s injury woes extend beyond Saka and Nwaneri, with Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu also sidelined. Additionally, Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz have faced illness recently. The situation worsened when Gabriel Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Manchester United. Following the incident, the team wore tribute shirts to Jesus, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
In light of these injuries, Arteta acknowledged the need to strengthen the squad, stating, “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. That’s been like that since day one.” As the team navigates this challenging period, the resilience of players like Saka and the emerging talent of Nwaneri will be vital for Arsenal’s ambitions.
