Arsenal sweating as injured Bukayo Saka could be set for 'extended spell on sidelines'

Bukayo Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring injury (Image: Getty)

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka may reportedly face an even longer spell on the sidelines than initially feared. It has been claimed that the decision to allow the winger to undergo surgery on his hamstring problem could see him ruled out until April.

Saka suffered the injury in Arsenal's 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace last month. The 23-year-old has missed his side's two subsequent Premier League fixtures, wins over Ipswich and Brentford.

Arsenal reportedly hope that Saka will return to full training in late February. That would allow him to make his return to competitive action in early March and, crucially, place him in contention for Thomas Tuchel's first England squad for World Cup qualifiers later that month.

However, it has been claimed that Saka's return could still be pushed back by an entire month. The Daily Mail reports that the decision to undergo surgery may extend his absence into April due to the nature of his rehabilitation programme.

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Tuchel will be desperate to name Saka in his first England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia on March 21 and 24, respectively. The Arsenal academy graduate will be one of the first names on the teamsheet when he is fully fit.

But if his lay-off extends into April, it will ruin Saka's chances of playing in the Three Lions' March fixtures.

Arsenal will be keen to carefully manage their star man's return. It is unlikely that they would be willing to let him play for England if there is a chance that he could worsen his hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Tuchel will want to pick his strong possible squad, realising that he will be under pressure to ensure he gets off to a good start as England head coach. Outside of Saka, his natural right-wing options are effectively limited to Phil Foden and Noni Madueke.

Thomas Tuchel will want to select Bukayo Saka in his first England squad (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Arsenal's March fixtures include a trip to Manchester United and a huge clash with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. They will therefore hope to have Saka available long before April.

Mikel Arteta's side have not fared too badly without the England international, though. They overcame Ipswich 1-0 at home. Ethan Nwaneri then shone in the right-wing position as the Gunners came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday.

Nwaneri seems set to keep his place in the starting 11 ahead of Arsenal's trip to Brighton on Saturday evening. The 17-year-old looked comfortable on his full Premier League debut.

Arsenal sweating as injured Bukayo Saka could be set for 'extended spell on sidelines'

Arsenal sweating as injured Bukayo Saka could be set for 'extended spell on sidelines'

Arsenal sweating as injured Bukayo Saka could be set for 'extended spell on sidelines'

Arsenal sweating as injured Bukayo Saka could be set for 'extended spell on sidelines'

Arsenal sweating as injured Bukayo Saka could be set for 'extended spell on sidelines'