Arsenal could be without Bukayo Saka for up to eight weeks after the winger suffered a quadriceps injury during Wednesday’s Champions League draw against Bayern Munich.
According to BBC Sport, initial medical assessments suggest that the England international faces at least six weeks on the sidelines, although his recovery could take considerably longer.
Saka was forced off during the 2-2 encounter at the Allianz Arena after experiencing discomfort in his thigh.
The 25-year-old is scheduled to undergo another MRI scan on Friday, with Arsenal seeking specialist opinions before establishing a clearer recovery timetable.
Fluid around the affected muscle has complicated the initial diagnosis, leaving uncertainty over the full extent of the damage.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that further examinations were necessary after the forward struggled to leave the pitch.
“We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists,” Arteta said. “When a player has to walk off the pitch, he is struggling to walk without any pain, and is restricted to movement; it is not a good sign.”
The Spaniard urged patience while Arsenal’s medical staff assess the problem, with the club reluctant to establish a definitive return date prematurely.
Saka will miss Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton, while an extended absence would rule him out of several important domestic and European fixtures.
The injury also threatens his involvement in England’s forthcoming Nations League encounters against Croatia and Spain.
It represents another frustrating setback for a player whose availability has become increasingly unpredictable over the past two seasons.
Saka underwent hamstring surgery during the 2024-25 campaign, missing 101 days, before suffering further Achilles, hip and muscular problems last season.
His playing time was subsequently managed during England’s World Cup campaign, following an Achilles injury sustained in March.
Despite those interruptions, Saka played an important role in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph last season and has contributed four goals in 11 appearances this term.
His latest setback comes at an awkward moment for Arsenal, who trail Manchester City by three points in the early title race.
Arteta’s attacking options are already stretched, with summer signing Christos Tzolis also recovering from injury.
Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and teenage prospect Max Dowman provide alternatives, although replacing Saka’s influence will be difficult.
Arsenal face Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup next week before travelling to Liverpool on November 1.
For now, the club must await the specialist findings, with concerns growing that Saka could remain unavailable until December.