Bukayo Saka in action for Arsenal against Fulham (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury came at the “perfect time” for Arsenal.
That’s according to former Tottenham, Newcastle and England striker Les Ferdinand, who believes the winger could benefit from a break over the holidays.
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Saka has been arguably Arsenal’s best player this season, scoring nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions. This includes an impressive record of five goals and ten assists in 16 Premier League games.
However, Saka lasted just 24 minutes of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday evening before suffering a hamstring injury.
The Gunners earned a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park without Saka but could be without him over the holidays, particularly with EFL Cup and FA Cup games coming up in January against Newcastle United and Manchester United respectively.
Is Bukayo Saka’s injury a blessing?
“He felt something in his thigh muscles, he couldn’t continue,” said the Arsenal coach said Mikel Arteta about Saka. “He needs to be assessed, so I’m very worried.”
While Saka’s absence is undoubtedly a huge blow for Arsenal, Ferdinand believes this comes at the best possible time and gives him the chance to rest and come back fresh for the final push.
“If there was a perfect time to get injured it would be now. If he were to be out for any period of time, it would be over the Christmas period,” said the Sky Sports expert (via TBR).
“Look at the games ahead, no Champions League, that gives him a bit of time to rest, we’re talking about players who play a lot of games, I think he didn’t have a period where he was out for any length of time .
“I think him being out for a while now will benefit them when things get going around January or February.”