Arsenal are set to be without Bukayo Saka for several weeks, with manager Mikel Arteta outlining plans to navigate this challenging period without the England international.

Saka was substituted during the first half of Arsenal’s emphatic victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, where Gabriel Jesus contributed two of the five goals. Speaking ahead of Arsenal's upcoming fixture against Ipswich, Arteta said: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.”

The manager added: “I’m brainstorming a few ideas to adapt to his absence. I haven’t settled on a plan yet, but I have some in mind. I’ll also involve the team in these discussions and try to turn this into a positive.

“We’ll need to approach games differently. We’ve coped without Martin [Ødegaard] and also managed during spells when we had five or six defenders unavailable. We’re taking this challenge with positive energy.”

While the exact duration of Saka's absence remains unclear, it comes during one of the most congested parts of the season. Should the 22-year-old remain sidelined until the end of January, he could miss as many as 10 matches across all competitions.

A Demanding Schedule Ahead

Arsenal’s hectic fixture list begins with three games in just eight days around the turn of the year. They host Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium on 27 December before away trips to Brentford on New Year’s Day and Brighton on 4 January.

The Gunners then face two crucial cup matches. Newcastle United visit the Emirates for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on 7 January, followed by a high-stakes FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United on 12 January.

Arsenal’s Premier League campaign resumes with a fierce North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on 15 January, followed by another home fixture against Aston Villa three days later. Their run of home matches concludes with a Champions League showdown against Dinamo Zagreb on 22 January.

The month ends with two away trips: first to Wolves in the Premier League on 25 January and then to Girona in the Champions League on 29 January. Arsenal will hope to have Saka back in the squad for the start of February, which begins with a tough home fixture against reigning champions Manchester City.

Transfer Market Considerations

With Saka’s absence posing a significant challenge, Arteta may need to explore options in the January transfer window. Arsenal have already dealt with a lengthy injury to Martin Ødegaard earlier in the season, with the captain missing two months in the autumn. However, Saka’s unavailability presents a distinct set of challenges, especially given his influence in Arsenal’s attacking play.

Matches Bukayo Saka Could Miss in December and January:

• Ipswich (H) – 27 December

• Brentford (A) – 1 January

• Brighton (A) – 4 January

• Newcastle (H) – 7 January (Carabao Cup Semi-Final, First Leg)

• Manchester United (H) – 12 January (FA Cup Third Round)

• Tottenham (H) – 15 January (North London Derby)

• Aston Villa (H) – 18 January

• Dinamo Zagreb (H) – 22 January

• Wolves (A) – 25 January

• Girona (A) – 29 January

Arsenal fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Saka as the team prepares for one of the most challenging stretches of their season.