Mikel Arteta admits he is “really worried” about Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury which forced him off the field in the first half against Crystal Palace.
Saka limped off in the 24th minute at Selhurst Park and while Arsenal won 5-1, the victory was marred by the blow to the England winger, who left the stadium on crutches.
“He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn't continue,” Arteta said after the match. “He's going to have to be assessed, so he's really concerned about that.”
Asked if there was any information about the severity of the injury, Arteta said: “It's very difficult to do that now.”
The injury is an even bigger blow as Arsenal lost Raheem Sterling to a training ground injury on Friday.
Sterling, who has made 11 appearances for the Gunners since joining on loan from Chelsea, will undergo tests with Arsenal's medical team to determine the extent of the injury.
“We don't know how long that is either,” said Arteta. “It's not good to lose two players in 24 hours.
“With the number of matches that are played every three days, I am not surprised. But the team will respond to that.”
It is not the first hamstring injury that Saka has suffered this season. The winger limped off on England duty during the October international break and was sidelined for a few weeks, missing Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Saka also suffered a leg injury in May, which forced him to miss Arsenal's final match of last season against Everton.
“I'm not sure if it's exactly the same,” Arteta said on whether he has aggravated his hamstring injury from a few months ago. “It's in the same leg. He had the third little injury – I don't know how big it will be. But he already had two.”
Arsenal won 5-1 at Crystal Palace to move within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand before a trip to Tottenham on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Gabriel Martinelli, who took over from Saka on the right wing, got on the scoresheet, while Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice also found the net in south London.
How crucial is Saka for Arsenal?
Sky Sports' Paul Merson:
“If Arteta could say one player he wouldn't want to miss, it would be Saka. He is the first name on the team sheet. We saw it at the start of the match [against Crystal Palace] he is in a different class.”
Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp:
“If Saka goes out, will they have someone to fill that void? Gabriel Jesus has a big role to play, but Arsenal still need a striker who can add goals and experience to what they need. or two short.” players.
“Arteta will pray with the scan. He knows if Arsenal want to win the league they will need him. He is their best player. He turns up in the big games.”
Arsenal's upcoming matches
Ipswich (H) – Premier League – Friday 27 December
Brentford (A) – Premier League – Wednesday 1 January
Brighton (A) – Premier League – Saturday January 4, live on Sky Sports
Newcastle (H) – Carabao Cup semi-final first leg – w/c January 6, live on Sky Sports
Man Utd (H) – FA Cup Third Round – January 12
Tottenham (H) – Premier League – January 15
Aston Villa (H) – Premier League – January 18, live on Sky Sports
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