Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is likely to miss “more than two months” of action after undergoing surgery on his injured hamstring.

The winger, 23, went off in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace on 21 December and left the stadium on crutches.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Friday night, Arteta provided clarity on Saka’s condition.

“He had a procedure,” said Arteta. “Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks. I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer. It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.”

Saka’s absence comes at a point in the season when the fixture list becomes relentless with Arsenal still fighting on four fronts – the Premier League, Uefa Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup – and in January alone, the will face nine matches.