Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admits that there is concern over Bukayo Saka after the winger suffered a “significant” injury in Saturday’s 5-0 win against Leeds United. The Gunners laid down their Premier League title credentials as they put the newly-promoted side to the sword, but there is huge concern over Saka’s condition.
Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres scored a brace each at the Emirates Stadium, adding to the 23-year-old’s vicious first-half strike. However, he did not last long after the break after seemingly tweaking his hamstring while completing an outstretched pass to Riccardo Calafiori outside the Leeds penalty area.
Saka instantly went to ground with a grimace on his face, with Sky Sports cameras capturing him saying “oh my god” in frustration to a medic.
After full-time, Arteta did not ease concerns over the England international by claiming that the injury did not look good.
The Spaniard admitted there was not yet a timescale on Saka’s potential absence but confirmed that it was the other hamstring than the one he injured last season.
He also could not offer a positive update on captain Martin Odegaard, who was forced off earlier in the match to add to the concerns.
“Martin [Odegaard] looks like a shoulder issue, so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting, and when he was wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring, I think. It is the other side [to the previous injury], but it is still not good.
“I don’t know [how long they will be out]. We already lost Kai [Havertz], who is a big player for us, and now Bukayo and Martin.
“That is why the squad has to be well-equipped. It is going to be a long season, and we are going to need a lot of players in order to achieve what we want.”
In his post-match press conference, Arteta discussed the matter further, suggesting Saka would not have come off so easily if his injury was less severe than it seems.
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
