Mikel Arteta initially said Saka would be out for ‘many weeks’ but then revealed his player had undergone surgery, meaning he might not be back until March.
The 23-year-old has been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent years, starring for an Arsenal side that have repeatedly challenged for the title.
Saka had scored five goals and made 10 assists in 16 league games before tearing his hamstring during the victory at Selhurst Park.
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But ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke believes his former club should consider an audacious move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, claiming he is the ‘perfect replacement’ for Saka and could also do a job up front.
Striker has been a problem position for Arsenal this season despite Kai Havertz’s solid all-round play and a much-needed revival from Gabriel Jesus.
‘Mohammed Kudus is a player that Arsenal have had a long-term interest in,’ Clarke told talkSPORT. ‘He is a perfect Bukayo Saka replacement who can also do a job up front.
‘Wonderful traveller with the ball at his feet. Could Arsenal test West Ham United’s resolve with a with an offer this month?’
Leicester City FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Mohammed Kudus in action for West Ham
Kudus has been one of West Ham’s most influential players since his £38m move from Ajax in the summer of 2023, scoring 17 goals over the past two seasons.
The Ghana international may be questioning his future at the London Stadium following West Ham’s poor first-half of the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Arsenal have generally impressed this season – only losing twice in 18 league games – but have still slipped nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Saka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace
Giving his take on the title race, Clarke added: ‘The nature of it, the last two seasons where Arsenal have led the way and then been caught, to finish second, it’s pretty heart-breaking, even though there are loads of positives.
‘This time around, it feels very different because Arsenal are the chasers and that might suit us in the second half of the season.
‘It’s a different sort of pressure having to win, but also knowing that Liverpool have got the pressure of sort of looking over their shoulders. It’s exciting.
‘Arsenal’s defence is pretty phenomenal at the moment. They’re not really giving opponents a sniff.
‘It’s going forward. Do Arsenal have enough goals in them against teams that are really defensive?
‘It’s what Ipswich did last night that’s proving a little bit problematic, and Arsenal will have to get better at it.’
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