Saka Out for Several Weeks, Raising Concerns Ahead of Crucial Arsenal Fixtures
Arsenal may have cruised to a dominant 5–0 win over Leeds United, but the victory was dampened by injury setbacks to two key players—most notably Bukayo Saka. The star winger, who netted Arsenal’s second goal on the night, was forced off with a hamstring issue that will now see him sidelined for up to a month. While the injury is not considered serious, Saka’s absence comes at a pivotal stretch in the Gunners’ campaign.
Saka’s Injury: What We Know
Initial concerns following Saturday’s match hinted at a more severe layoff, but subsequent medical assessments have provided a more reassuring timeline. The England international is expected to be out of action for three to four weeks, missing several important matches across domestic and international duties.
This isn’t the first time Saka’s hamstring has caused problems—similar issues affected his availability during the latter part of last season, a period that coincided with Arsenal’s dip in form. The club made summer acquisitions with squad depth in mind, preparing better to handle such absences this time around.
Key Fixtures Saka Will Miss
Mikel Arteta will now have to navigate a handful of significant games without his most influential winger. The timeline of his recovery rules Saka out of:
- Arsenal’s high-profile clash against Liverpool at Anfield
- England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers versus Andorra and Serbia
- Potentially, the Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on September 13
Although there’s hope he could return shortly after the international break, Arsenal are expected to exercise caution to avoid aggravating the injury. That means a return for the following weekend’s clash against Manchester City on September 21 appears more likely.
Arsenal’s Options in Saka’s Absence
With Saka temporarily sidelined, Arteta will need to reshuffle his attacking lineup. New signing Noni Madueke is tipped to step into the right-wing role, while Eberechi Eze could also make his Arsenal debut, possibly deployed on the opposite flank. These changes will be put to the test during a demanding run that also includes the start of the Champions League group stage, with Arsenal’s first European opponent to be revealed in this Thursday’s draw.
Fortunately, the early September international break provides a natural pause in the calendar, limiting the number of games Saka will miss. Nevertheless, his absence will be felt both in terms of quality and influence.
Arsenal Likely to Prioritize Long-Term Fitness
While fans may be eager to see Saka return for the Manchester City showdown, Arteta and the medical team are expected to adopt a cautious approach. The winger’s hamstring issues have a history, and with a long season ahead—including Champions League commitments—Arsenal can’t afford to risk a setback.
