Arsenal have been left sweating over Bukayo Saka’s injury.

On Saturday evening, the Gunners were in fine form as they secured a vital win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

A brace from Gabriel Jesus plus goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice sealed a huge 5-1 win. Ismaila Sarr was the scorer for Oliver Glasner’s side.

However, the victory was marred by the fact that talisman Saka was forced off with what looked like another hamstring injury in the 24th minute.

Speaking after the match, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta gave a worrying update as Arsenal are now sweating over the severity of the injury.

With matches against the likes of Ipswich Town, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United on the horizon, it has been reported that Saka could be out for a few weeks.

As reported by The Times, the winger is likely to be out of action for several weeks after injuring his right hamstring.

The report stated that a typical recovery time for a moderate hamstring injury is around four to six weeks.

However, we have previously seen Saka recover from hamstring injuries before the expected return date, giving Arsenal hope ahead of the busy period.

On the back of Saka’s injury, Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has urged Jesus to step up.

He said on BBC’s Match of the Day: “It will be a big loss for Arsenal. [They will miss] not only Saka’s goals but his assists which is why I think it is important for Jesus to step up and try to replace him.

“He was having such a tough time in front of goal, but I think Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit because of what happened in midweek, he gets his goals and you can see the belief he would’ve had in training. He had to start him and it was a wonderful performance and it’s no surprise he was back in the goals.”

Shearer added: “His all-around play I thought was very, very good today also. He was bringing players into the game with little touches, going in behind. You can see he’s got a pace about him again and he feels as if he belongs back in the team.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly issued a subtle warning to Marco Asensio before the winger left the club as a free agent in 2023 to join Paris Saint-Germain.

According to a recent report from Real Madrid Confidencial, Perez’s message to Asensio was clear: “If you leave, you will regret it.”

Despite this caution, Asensio chose to move on from the club and sign with PSG. Since then, his career trajectory has taken a downward turn, confirming that Perez’s warning might have been right after all.

Over the years, Real Madrid has seen several players depart, some of whom have left a lasting impact, while others have faded from memory. Asensio’s exit, however, remains one of the more memorable ones.

Having joined Real Madrid in 2016, Asensio played an integral role in the team’s success, including three consecutive Champions League titles.

His contributions were significant, and he earned the trust and respect of his teammates and coaches. His departure from such a high point in his career seemed like a bold move, but in hindsight, it appears to have been a poor decision.

Tough times at PSG
At PSG, Asensio has found it difficult to secure a regular starting position. Over the past seven matches, he has played only 18 minutes, and his lack of involvement in key fixtures suggests that Luis Enrique has lost faith in him.

Despite having a contract with PSG until 2026, Asensio’s future at the club now seems uncertain. His current situation is a far cry from the prominence he enjoyed at Real Madrid, where he was a crucial part of the squad.

Asensio’s options are limited, as returning to Real Madrid is no longer a viable choice. With his contract tying him to PSG, the Spaniard has no choice but to fight for his place in the team.

However, his chances of making a meaningful comeback at PSG appear slim, leaving him with a difficult road ahead.

Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4-2 on Sunday in 39-year-old veteran right winger and full-back Jesus Navas’ last game as a professional footballer.

The Sevilla captain came off the bench in the second half as the crowd at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium paid tribute to him.

Navas played 705 games to score 39 goals for Sevilla and made 119 assists for his club across two spells. He helped Sevilla win four UEFA Europa League titles.

Navas also won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the EURO 2012 and 2024 titles with his native Spain.

He also played for Manchester City to bag the 2014 English Premier League title.

In Sunday’s home game against Sevilla, Real Madrid drew first blood as The Whites’ French superstar Kylian Mbappe scored a long-range stunner.

Real Madrid’s Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde also sent a long-range missile towards the goal to double the gap in the 20th minute.

Brazilian winger Rodrygo made it 3-0 for Real Madrid only a minute before Sevilla striker Isaac Romero scored a header.

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz finished in the box following fine teamwork in the 53rd minute, making it 4-1.

On a quick counterattack, Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio scored a low shot that beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 85th minute, making it 4-2.

Winners Real Madrid leapfrogged their bitter rivals Barcelona into second place in the Spanish La Liga table.

Atletico Madrid have 41 points in 18 matches to end 2024 as the Spanish leaders.

Their city rivals Real Madrid have 40 points. Meanwhile, Barcelona are third with 38 points after they lost to Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a Saturday home match.

The La Liga is set to enter the Christmas break to observe the annual holy festival, and there will be no football fixtures in the Spanish top division for the rest of this year.

The league will see the Valencia vs. Real Madrid fixture at Mestalla Stadium on Jan. 3, as the matchweek 12 game was previously postponed due to Storm Dana.