Arsenal double injury concern as key man on crutches ahead of Newcastle United clash

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he is “pretty worried” about Bukayo Saka after the winger was forced off against Crystal Palace on Saturday night.

The Gunners won 5-1 at Selhurst Park to move three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. That is despite losing Saka to a hamstring injury 24 minutes in.

Saka was then spotted on crutches after the game as Arteta revealed his concern.

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"He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn't continue," Arteta said. “He will have to be assessed so pretty worried about that one."

Bukayo Saka came off early against Crystal Palace.Bukayo Saka came off early against Crystal Palace.
Bukayo Saka came off early against Crystal Palace. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Asked if he knew the severity of the problem, Arteta replied: "It's very difficult to do that now. They have tested him but it's very difficult to say how bad it is."

Saka sustained a hamstring injury in October, forcing him to miss a few weeks. He also went off injured against Chelsea in November, ruling him out for England duty, though returned in time for the Gunners’ next game.

“I'm not sure if it's exactly the same one, it's in the same leg,” Arteta added. "I don't know how big this is going to be but he's already had two."

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Arsenal host Newcastle United in the first leg of Carabao Cup semi-final in just over two weeks time on the week commencing January 6. The second leg takes on the week commencing February 3 at St James’ Park

Arteta were already without Raheem Sterling for the visit to South London because of a training ground injury on Friday. The on-loan Chelsea winger is undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury

"We don't know how long that is as well," said Arteta. "To lose two players within 24 hours, it's not good. With the amount of games playing every three days, it doesn't surprise me. But the team will react to that."

Newcastle know they will be without Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar for the visit to the Emirates through suspension.

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