Arsenal have been handed a significant boost with the news that injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are not as severe as initially feared. Following their 5-0 triumph over Leeds, there were concerns about the fitness of both players, but recent scans suggest they won’t be out of action for an extended period.
Mikel Arteta had expressed worry over Saka’s hamstring issue, recalling that the winger missed nearly four months last season due to a similar injury. Club captain Odegaard also raised alarm bells after landing awkwardly on his shoulder.
However, it is still uncertain whether either player will be fit to face Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday. “I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet but for Bukayo to come off, it’s significant,” said Arteta.
“He felt something while he was sprinting. That’s never a good sign. We’ll have to wait tomorrow. But he’s had these injuries before. He knows exactly the feeling of that. So let’s wait. [For] Martin [it is] something in his shoulder. Two negatives of the day.”
Despite missing key players like Kai Havertz, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Christian Norgaard due to injury, Arsenal managed a dominant victory over Leeds, thanks to braces from Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber and a strike from Saka.
“It’s exactly how we wanted to start the first game, we won in a really convincing way,” Arteta said. “You could sense something, especially in the atmosphere before the match.
“I think we have to be very proud of the way we played, the way we dominated the game, not conceding any shots almost, and the clean sheet. On top of that, a lot of good moments.
“Viktor scoring his first two goals for the club, I’m thrilled and delighted for Jurrien after that long time after injuring his ankle and the hours that he’s put in with all the physios and the medical department to score two goals at Emirates Stadium, very special.
“[Cristhian] Mosquera making his debut as well for the club, and then one of the highlights, without any question of a doubt, Max [Dowman] coming in at 15 and making his debut and winning a penalty. So very proud.”
