Saka limps off to dampen Arsenal joy after Jesus’ double at Crystal Palace

Bukayo Saka limped out of Arsenal’s game at Crystal Palace after appearing to tweak his right hamstring.

The England international lasted just 24 minutes at Selhurst Park before having to come off and be replaced by Leandro Trossard.

Saka sustained the injury in the act of crossing from the right flank as Arsenal looked to score a third goal in a frantic opening. He immediately put his hand in the air to signal to the bench that all was not well and then clutched the back of his right leg. He went off after treatment.

Bukayo Saka is withdrawn after 24 minutes with a muscle injury #CRYARS pic.twitter.com/QEJH6ci1jL

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024

Saka helped Arsenal take the lead when his cross was converted at the far post by Gabriel Jesus.

Ismaila Sarr equalised after 11 minutes but Arsenal restored their lead almost immediately when Jesus, who scored a hat-trick against Palace in the EFL Cup in midweek, netted again from a partially cleared corner.

Jean-Philippe Mateta ought to have made it 2-2 but saw his shot blocked by David Raya after some sloppy play from William Saliba.