- England star Bukayo Sako expected to be injured for more than two months
- January window opens next week but Arsenal fans look elsewhere
- LISTEN NOW: It's all starting! New line-up, some new faces, but optimism has faded at Old Trafford
Arsenal fans have been tracking a private flight to London which they believe is carrying the man who will replace their injured star Bukayo Saka.
But, rather than an exciting new signing in January, speculation revolves around a midfielder the Gunners signed for £30m two years ago before loaning him back to his local club after he failed to make an impact in London.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka underwent a “procedure” on the hamstring he injured during the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on December 21 and expects the striker to miss more than two months of action.
After Arsenal's unconvincing 1-0 win against Ipswich on Friday night, Arteta said: “I'd rather leave that with the doctor, but he (Saka) has had a procedure and will be out for many, many weeks.” “. I think it will be more than two months, I don't know exactly how long.'
On Saturday, Saka posted a photo of himself on Instagram after surgery and vowed to come back stronger.
Arsenal were not at their best at the Emirates and Kai Havertz's first-half goal from close range was all the hosts had to show for their dominance.
Bukayo Saka suffered the injury during Arsenal's victory at Crystal Palace on December 21.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Saka will be out for at least two months
Fabio Vieira failed to make an impact during his time at the Emirates, but may be recalled
Havertz said the responsibility to step forward and fill the void left by Saka will fall on him and his teammates. Havertz told Amazon Prime: “Everyone has to step up because we know that Bukayo Saka is a very important player for us.” But we have to adapt. “I try to help the team, today was a different role for me.”
And Arsenal fans believe Arteta is turning to Porto loanee Fabio Vieira, who managed just five league starts in his 49 appearances for the Gunners.
Vieira is on a season-long loan to Porto, from whom Arsenal signed him in 2022, but the club reportedly have the option to withdraw him and fans were eagerly following a private flight from Porto to London.
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Arsenal's victory over Ipswich closed the gap to six points with leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League team. They then travel to Brentford in a tricky clash on New Year's Day.
