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Bukayo Saka is expected to face an extended period of absence due to a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has urged his teammates to adapt their game following the news that forward Bukayo Saka will be out until March due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old England international was substituted in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 win against Crystal Palace last weekend after suffering the injury.
Following surgery, Saka is expected to be sidelined for more than two months, a significant blow for the Gunners as they chase their first league title in two decades. Speaking to Amazon Prime after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, Rice emphasized the need for the team to adjust without their key player.
“Bukayo has been our main man, and tonight was different without him,” Rice said. “We’re going to have to adapt. It’s a great chance for players to step up over the coming months and make their mark.”
Saka has been a consistent performer 108 of the possible 114 Premier League games over the last three full seasons and featuring in 16 of Arsenal’s 17 league games this campaign. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but Rice believes it presents an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta agreed with Rice, acknowledging the challenge ahead but expressing confidence in his team’s ability to adapt. “We need to see how the team evolves without Bukayo,” Arteta said. “It’s going to be about the collective effort and finding new ways to win games.”
With the win over Ipswich, Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool. The team will rely on players like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to fill the void left by Saka.
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