Arsenal have been dealt a worrying injury blow after Bukayo Saka was forced off early in their clash with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, The Standard reports.
Saka started the game against Bayern but suffered an early setback when the England international went down with an apparent leg injury inside the opening 10 minutes.
The winger had been involved in a promising attack moments before the incident.
After getting past Bayern defender Alphonso Davies, Saka moved into space and played a pass out wide to help Arsenal push forward.
There was no immediate contact or heavy challenge before the 25-year-old suddenly went to ground, holding his left leg. He quickly signalled to the Arsenal bench, making it clear that he could not continue.
Saka looked uncomfortable as he slowly made his way off the pitch.
He briefly stopped near the touchline to speak with Arteta and pointed towards his left thigh before heading down the tunnel.
Eberechi Eze was introduced as his replacement, forcing Arteta to make an early change to his attacking plans. Noni Madueke, who had started on the left wing, moved across to the right to fill Saka’s position.
With Saka out, Madueke will have to step up and cover for his countryman.
The full extent of Saka’s injury hasn’t been clarified, but the incident will be a major concern for Arsenal, particularly given their limited options in wide attacking positions.
The Gunners are already without Christos Tzolis, who has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since the international break.
If Saka is unavailable for the coming matches, Arteta would be left with Eze, Madueke and Max Dowman as his only fit wingers.
That could become a serious problem as Arsenal prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. The Gunners have five games scheduled over the next 17 days before the November international break.
One of the biggest challenges will be their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in 10 days. Saka has already bagged four goals and an assist in 11 games across all competitions this season.
Arsenal will now hope the early substitution was a precaution, not a sign of a serious injury.