December 27th 2024.
It seems that Bukayo Saka will be spending some time on the sidelines due to an unfortunate injury. However, Arsenal is determined to continue their winning streak as they prepare to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Friday. After two frustrating draws, Mikel Arteta's team bounced back with a magnificent 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace.
The win not only closed the gap between Arsenal and second-place Chelsea to just two points, but it also extended their unbeaten run to ten games in all competitions. Unfortunately, the victory was overshadowed by Saka's injury in the first half, which forced him to leave the game after only 24 minutes. Arteta expressed his concern about the injury after the game, and scans have since confirmed that Saka will be out for the rest of the Christmas period, at least.
"It's not looking good. He's going to be out for many weeks," Arteta confirmed in his press conference on Monday. In Saka's absence, Leandro Trossard came off the bench, and Martinelli moved to the right wing. However, Arteta also mentioned that Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri are potential options to fill in for Saka.
Another player who would have been a likely candidate to replace Saka is Raheem Sterling, but unfortunately, he is also facing an injury. At 30 years old, Sterling is set for some time on the sidelines after picking up an injury in training last week. "He's gonna be out for weeks, I believe," Arteta said on Monday. "It's his knee, and we have to wait and see for another 24 hours. Unfortunately, he's gonna be out for a while."
Looking ahead to the match against Ipswich Town, it is likely that Gabriel Jesus will continue to lead the attack after scoring five goals in his last two games. Havertz may also be moved further back in midfield, as he was last week, with the returning Declan Rice joining him in the midfield. As for Thomas Partey, Arteta may choose not to risk him with another game so soon after his injury, and instead, give him some rest.
On the defensive side, Riccardo Calafiori could make a return in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was substituted midway through the second half in the last game. However, given Calafiori's injury history, he may not be risked from the start. Unfortunately, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still sidelined, and it is unlikely that they will return until the New Year.
The predicted Arsenal lineup for the match against Ipswich Town is Raya in goal, with Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori in defense. Odegaard, Rice, and Havertz are expected to start in midfield, with Martinelli, Jesus, and Trossard leading the attack.
For those wondering where to watch the game, it will kick off at 8:15 pm on Friday, December 27, and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime in the United Kingdom.
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