"He felt something in his hamstring, he couldn't continue," Mikel Arteta said after the game. "He will have to be assessed, so really worried about that one."
Man Utd player ratings vs Bournemouth: Two players get 2/10 as Red Devils humiliated again
Saka had been competing in his 250th Arsenal appearance at the age of 23 and without a natural replacement on the right, Arteta may have to get creative in order to find a solution if the England man is out long-term.
Here, Express Sport has taken a look at some internal and external options for Arsenal to consider…
Gabriel Martinelli
When Saka departed against Palace, replaced by Leandro Trossard, it was not clear who out of the Belgian, Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli would shuffle over to the right flank.
The latter trundled over and produced one of his best displays of the season. He bagged a goal on the hour mark and created numerous chances, including a smart cross for Kai Havertz's goal after beating his man, emphatically showcasing his readiness to step in for Saka if necessary.
Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Gabriel Martinelli flourished on the right against Crystal Palace.
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Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has been one of the standout Premier League wingers since Brentford were promoted in 2021, and the Cameroon forward will not be short of suitors if he decides to leave west London in January or the summer.
Brentford will not want to part ways with their talisman during the season, but his contract is up in 2026 and the earlier they sell Mbeumo, the larger fee they will be able to fetch.
TalkSPORT claim that the club placed a £50million price tag on Mbeumo in October, which will give Arsenal plenty to think about as they look for someone who can step into Saka’s boots and perform immediately.
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Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United appears to be coming towards an unceremonious end, with the forward left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad again for their visit of Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Arteta has not been afraid to shop from Arsenal’s rivals previously and Havertz has been one of the boss’ biggest success stories, having arrived from Chelsea for £60m.
Rashford would likely arrive a similar price and Arteta may back himself to return Rashford back to a 30-goal-a-season forward, which could begin on the right in place of Saka in January before earmarking a place on his favoured left flank.
FC Viktoria Plzen v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6
Marcus Rashford has been frozen out at Manchester United.
Raheem Sterling
“You’re about to see the best of me.”
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