3 ways Arsenal can try to cope without Bukayo Saka

Not even Tim Burton could have dreamt up this Christmas nightmare.

Many feared the worst as Bukayo Saka hobbled off against Crystal Palace and, on Monday, that cruel thought became a reality: Mikel Arteta confirmed he had suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for “many weeks”.

There is never a good time to lose someone of Saka’s calibre, but it perhaps stings now more than at any other juncture due to our dwindling title hopes. Furthermore, any long-term absence could also rule him out of Champions League action in the spring, thereby imperilling aspirations for European glory.

Yet Arsenal cannot afford to think that way and, instead, they must act fast to ensure this news does not completely derail our campaign. Fortunately, there are some viable options that the club will no doubt explore over the coming months.

Arteta needs to dig deep into his Christmas stocking for answers, and here are three contenders that are worth his consideration.

3 ways Arsenal might be able to cope with the Bukayo Saka injury

1. New roles for the veterans

It is the most obvious short-term solution and the boss has already trialled it on occasion – he even did so versus Palace.

At Selhurst Park, Gabriel Martinelli moved out to the right following Saka’s substitution and it worked a treat. The Brazil star caused all manner of problems for Tyrick Mitchell through his pace, directness and rich attacking flair that night, with all three qualities on display in the pre-assist for Kai Havertz’s goal.

Using that direct style on the right flank could make Martinelli a significant byline threat – especially with a left-footed Martin Odegaard working in tandem – and, as an added bonus, it might facilitate a seamless post-Saka transition as Leandro Trossard can then assume the left-wing mantle.

Alternatively, the Gunners could put Gabriel Jesus on the right given the similarities between himself and Saka (e.g. security in possession, the ability to beat defenders on either side, good ball-carrying skills), all while keeping Kai Havertz free for the striker slot.

All Arteta needs is for Jesus to stay fit…

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