Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a knee injury during the team’s dominant 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the severity of the injury during a press conference on Monday, ahead of their match against Ipswich Town, revealing that the issue is worse than initially anticipated.

A statement on the club's website described the situation as a significant challenge to Arsenal's title aspirations. Arteta expressed concern, saying, "It’s not looking good. He’s a big player for us, and his impact on the team is undeniable. This will be a real test for us to find ways to overcome another obstacle, as we’ve already faced many this season."

Saka, the Gunners’ influential number seven, was substituted in the 24th minute at Selhurst Park, making way for Leandro Trossard, who delivered an impressive performance. Despite Trossard's contributions, Saka's absence creates a considerable gap as Arsenal enters a challenging stretch of fixtures.

Adding to the injury woes, Raheem Sterling is also expected to be out for several weeks due to a knee problem. Arteta stated that further testing would be conducted to determine the extent of Sterling's injury, but early indications suggest a prolonged absence. "It’s his knee, and we’ll need another 24 hours to understand it fully, but unfortunately, he’ll be out for some time," Arteta explained.

With both key right-wingers unavailable, Arteta faces a tactical challenge but remains optimistic about the squad's versatility. He pointed to Gabriel Martinelli as a strong option, highlighting his recent goal and assist. Other potential replacements include Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz, each capable of stepping into the role depending on the opposition and tactical setup.

Arteta acknowledged the need for adaptability, saying, "We’ll speak to the players, see how they feel, and decide the best approach to maintain balance and momentum in the team."