Bukayo Saka was forced to withdraw from Arsenal's starting lineup after suffering an injury during the warm-up ahead of their clash against Leeds United at Elland Road
Jake Stokes and James Smailes
15:18, 31 Jan 2026
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal warms up with teammates
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Bukayo Saka of Arsenal warms up with teammates prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka seemed to sustain an injury during the warm-up before Arsenal's match against Leeds United. The 24 year old winger was seen heading into the tunnel at Elland Road with a physio just moments before the game started.
Noni Madueke quickly stepped in to replace him in the starting line-up, with Christian Norgaard taking a spot on the bench. With Martin Odegaard left on the bench, the captain's armband was handed to Gabriel Magalhães.
Mikel Merino also sat out the match in west Yorkshire due to an injury. Mikel Arteta told reporters before the game that the 29 year old midfielder was experiencing some foot pain.
football.london has learned that Merino is set to see a specialist in the next few days to decide on the next course of action. The Spanish international missed training at the Sobha Realty Centre ahead of the victory over Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League, a match for which he was suspended.
Arteta spoke highly of Saka to reporters on Friday morning before the journey up to Elland Road. When asked about the influence the England international has on Hale End prospects like Max Dowman, the Spaniard said: "The fact that we have very good examples at the club is very helpful.
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"Then it's down, not only the players as well, but the family as well because obviously they're a crucial part of their education and their development and we are very responsible of that. He's been great. He's got a great family.
"The communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. Now I think they trust what we're going to do with him and now it's down to him and us to build an amazing career with him."
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