Arsenal's dominant 5-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday was overshadowed by a concerning injury to Bukayo Saka. The England international hobbled off the pitch in the second half, sparking fears of a potential hamstring issue.
Saka, who had earlier contributed to Arsenal's commanding lead with a goal just before halftime, appeared to pull up while running at full speed. He immediately went to ground, clutching his left hamstring, a sight that visibly worried both the player and the Arsenal supporters. The 23-year-old was promptly replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 53rd minute.
The injury comes as a significant blow to Arsenal, especially with a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool looming next weekend. Saka's importance to the team is undeniable; he has been a consistent performer, having played in almost every game for the Gunners in previous seasons. He only missed a significant chunk of time last year due to a hamstring injury.
Sky Sports' Nick Wright noted Saka's worried demeanor as he left the pitch, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation. He was seen shaking his head as he went down the tunnel after speaking with Arteta and his assistant.
Adding to Arsenal's woes, captain Martin Odegaard was also forced off with a shoulder injury during the first half of the match against Leeds. Odegaard appeared to sustain the injury after a challenge but initially tried to play on. However, he was eventually substituted, with Ethan Nwaneri taking his place.
Arsenal's injury list is growing, with Kai Havertz already ruled out of the Leeds game due to a knee injury sustained against Manchester United. Ben White also missed the game against Leeds due to an unspecified injury. Manager Mikel Arteta faces a selection headache as he navigates these absences. Christian Norgaard is also expected to be out for another week. Gabriel Jesus is continuing his recovery from an ACL injury. Jurrien Timber's minutes are also being carefully managed as he returns from a long-term injury.
The extent of Saka's hamstring injury is yet to be determined. The recovery period for a hamstring injury can vary depending on the severity. A Grade 1 strain typically takes 1-3 weeks to recover, while a Grade 2 tear could require 3-8 weeks. A complete muscle tear (Grade 3) might necessitate surgery and a recovery period of 3-6 months or longer.
Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal has made moves to bolster their attacking options. The club recently unveiled the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, adding another dimension to their attack. Other summer acquisitions like Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, along with existing players like Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Myles Lewis-Skelly, provide Arteta with alternative options.
Arsenal fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Saka's condition, hoping that the injury is not as serious as initially feared. His absence would undoubtedly be a significant setback as they prepare for a challenging run of fixtures, including the upcoming match against Liverpool and the start of their Champions League campaign.