FC Bayern München v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal have been bracing themselves for bad news on Bukayo Saka since he limped off in Munich, and it looks like their fears have been confirmed.
Mikel Arteta revealed in his press conference ahead of the Everton game that Saka was having another MRI scan this afternoon, because fluid in the area had made it difficult to understand the extent of the injury. He said with the pain Saka has when he walks, there are “not good signs”. Now a timeline of when we can expect him to be back has emerged.
Bukayo Saka facing at least six weeks out
According to Hand of Arsenal, Saka is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “Bukayo Saka faces a minimum of 6 weeks out,” they posted on X. “Some sources say the timeline for a return is 6-8 weeks but it’s important to update as and when his recovery begins as these situations are complex.”
A six-to-eight-week absence would keep him out until somewhere between early and mid-December. Arsenal are yet to confirm the full extent of the problem, and Arteta said a definitive assessment would follow once the club had heard from specialists.
The games Bukayo Saka is set to miss
If Saka is out for a minimum of six weeks, he’s set to miss the following games:
Everton (H) – Premier League – Sat 24 October
Fleetwood Town (A) – Carabao Cup – Tue 27 October
Liverpool (A) – Premier League – Sun 1 November
Slavia Prague – Champions League – Wed 4 November
Hull City – Premier League – Sat 7 November
Newcastle United (A) – Premier League – Sat 21 November
Borussia Dortmund (H) – Champions League – Tue 24 November
Manchester City (H) – Premier League – Sun 29 November
Brentford (A) – Premier League – Wed 2 December
If his recovery takes closer to eight weeks, he could also miss:
Tottenham Hotspur (A) – Premier League – Sun 6 December
Real Madrid (H) – Champions League – Wed 9 December
Bournemouth (H) – Premier League – Sun 13 December
That would make Manchester United at home on Sunday 20 December a realistic target for his return. Before then, Arsenal face Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester City, Tottenham and Real Madrid without their best attacker, a run that could go a long way to shaping their season.
Saka will be absolutely gutted, and Arteta will have to manage without him. Noni Madueke is expected to move to the right, with Eberechi Eze on the left, and Max Dowman now the first wide option off the bench. If Saka’s absence stretches into December, Arsenal could also look at recalling Ethan Nwaneri from his loan at Borussia Dortmund when the January window opens.