EXPERT EXPLAINS HOW LONG BUKAYO SAKA COULD BE OUT WITH HAMSTRING INJURY

An expert has analyzed Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace and provided a timeline for his return

The early withdrawal of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in the Gunners’ 5-1 demolition of Crystal Palace has sparked concerns about his fitness as the Premier League title race heats up. Saka limped off just 24 minutes into the match, leaving fans anxious after seeing him on crutches post-match at Selhurst Park.

The win, which followed Arsenal’s 3-2 Carabao Cup triumph earlier in the week, moved the Gunners within two points of second-placed Chelsea. However, Saka’s injury has overshadowed the victory, with debate already swirling about how Arsenal might cope without their key winger.

Injury analyst Physio Scout provided an initial assessment via social media platform X, offering a measured outlook on the condition of Bukayo Saka. The expert noted that Saka appeared to be nursing his lower hamstring, suggesting that a severe hamstring tear is unlikely

“It’s extremely hard to predict the length of muscle injuries based on video, but the reaction and the use of crutches point towards at least a muscle strain, rather than tightness,” Physio Scout explained.

The analyst outlined three potential recovery scenarios depending on the severity of the injury, which will be confirmed after scans:

Grade 1 strain: 2-4 weeks

Grade 2 strain: 4-6 weeks

Grade 3 strain: 8-10 weeks

“This is more likely a grade 1/2 hamstring strain. It would be very unlucky if he suffered a grade 3, but that is more correlated with injuries higher up on the hamstring,” the analyst added.