Bukayo Saka will miss Arsenal’s upcoming match against Liverpool this Sunday, as well as England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia scheduled for next month. The talented 23-year-old winger suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s convincing home win over Leeds United last Saturday. Medical evaluations suggest that Saka could be sidelined for as long as four weeks, a development that both Arsenal and the England national team will be keen to manage effectively, given Saka’s significance to their attacking strategies.
Alongside Saka, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, is also facing uncertainty regarding his availability for the key match at Anfield. He sustained a shoulder injury during the same game against Leeds, looking visibly distressed as he left the pitch after being substituted in the first half. Reports indicate that Odegaard left the Emirates Stadium with his shoulder stabilized in a sling, which heightens concern within the club. Nevertheless, there remains cautious optimism surrounding his recovery, as he has not yet been ruled out for the critical encounter against the reigning Premier League champions. Arsenal’s medical team is hopeful that both Odegaard, who is 26, and Saka will not require a long-term absence from the field, a blessing for the Gunners given how pivotal both players are to their campaign.
The news about Saka, in particular, brings a sense of relief, especially since he missed a significant portion of the previous season—three months—due to a hamstring injury of a similar nature. His progressive recovery is vital not just for Arsenal’s performances but also for the national team, which relies on his creativity and goal-scoring ability.
Fortunately, Arsenal has built a considerably deeper squad this season compared to last year, largely thanks to strategic signings. This summer, the club strengthened its offensive capabilities by bringing in exciting talents like Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze. These acquisitions not only add to the bench strength but also enhance the team’s overall attacking versatility, providing additional options for the manager.
Head coach Mikel Arteta finds himself in a favorable position to cope with these injury setbacks. The depth of the squad allows him to draw upon a pool of talented players, including Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman, who are all equipped to step in and maintain the performance levels required at this stage of the season.
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