Former England striker Les Ferdinand believes Bukayo Saka’s recent injury may not be as damaging to Arsenal’s season as many fear, suggesting the timing could ultimately work in the club’s favour.
The England international suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, forcing him off in the first half.
Softfootball understands manager Mikel Arteta described the setback as a concern, but Ferdinand believes the festive schedule provides the winger with an ideal opportunity to recover without missing European football.
Sharing his thoughts with Arsenal News Central, Ferdinand said:
If there was a perfect time to get injured, it would be now. If he was going to be out for any spell, it would be over this Christmas period.
You look at the games that they’ve got coming up, no Champions League, gives him a bit of time to rest.
The former striker added that the enforced break could leave Saka fresher for the decisive stages of the campaign. He said:
I think if he’s out for a bit of time now, it’ll put them in good stead when it kicks in around January, February time.
