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Arsenal fans' worst fears were realised with Bukayo Saka spotted in crutches after going off injured in Arsenal's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace. The Gunners winger pulled up in the 23rd minute with an apparent hamstring injury immediately after firing in a low cross at Palace in Saturday's late kick-off. Saka hit the deck, where he could be seen holding the back of his right leg, before he instantly signalled to the bench. An Arsenal medic came to his aid, but the 23-year-old was unable to shake off the knock, and was swiftly replaced by Leandro Trossard. talk SPORT reporter Ian Abrahams revealed on commentary duty that Saka looked emotional as he walked towards the tunnel, describing him as 'distressed'. Saka had previously picked up a hamstring injury on international duty in October during England's defeat to Greece. He then appeared to tweak it again during the club's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in November. Gooners and boss Mikel Arteta will now be left sweating over the severity of the suspected injury during a hectic festive period. Arsenal host Ipswich on December 27, before facing Brentford on New Year's Day and Brighton away on January 4. And Arteta conceded after Arsenal's victory that he is concerned over the player's knock. He said: "We are pretty worried about Saka’s injury. He grabbed his hamstring and couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed but we are pretty worried, yes. " To make matters worse for Arteta and fans, Saka left Selhurst Park in crutches in a sign he could be set for a spell on the sidelines. Saka has started all but one of Arsenal's 17 Premier League matches so far this season. The Three Lions forward has also started in five of the club's Champions League fixtures, along with one Carabao Cup fixture. As he has been in previous campaigns, Saka has been Arsenal's standout player this term. He has already chipped in with nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions - just 12 goal involvements off his tally from last season. Saka would have been hoping to add to his tally at Selhurst Park on what was his 250th appearance for Arsenal. Only Cesc Fabregas and David O'Leary have hit the landmark milestone at a younger age than Saka. At the time of Saka's injury, Arsenal led 2-1 thanks to Gabriel Jesus' double, before Kai Havertz added a third in the 38th minute. Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice then got on the score sheet in the second half as Arsenal closed the gap on leaders Liverpool to three points. © 2024 talk SPORT Limited

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