Arsenal’s impressive 5-0 win over Leeds United was stained by an injury to Bukayo Saka.
The England international was forced off in the 53rd minute of the Premier League clash, holding his hamstring as he sat on the Emirates Stadium turf – which is the same injury that caused him to miss three months of last season.
As Bukayo Saka spoke to the medical staff while on the pitch, the Arsenal No.7 uttered a worrying message – according to Gary Neville.
Gary Neville claims Bukayo Saka said “oh my God” after hamstring injury
The Hale End graduate only returned from his hamstring tear in April, so it was very concerning to see him go down against Leeds – adding a sour note to a hammering in which he scored a fine goal.
Mikel Arteta addressed the injury to Saka – and also a shoulder problem for Martin Odegaard – saying: “I don’t know, obviously I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet, but for Bukayo to come off… for sure, it looks like something that is significant.”
The Spaniard then added: “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed, we have to scan it tomorrow. Bukayo was running with the ball, he felt something in his hamstring. It’s the other one, not the same from last season. He felt something when sprinting, it’s not a good sign.”
Saka certainly looked like he was worried about the setback, as Neville claimed he lip-read the Arsenal star uttering the words “oh my God” in disbelief.
The 50-year-old said: “Just reading his lips, he said ‘oh my God’. It doesn’t look good… doesn’t normally go down.”
Bukayo Saka injury shows why Mikel Arteta spent £52m on Noni Madueke
Saka missing three months last season felt like a culmination of being overplayed by Arteta, who has handed the winger 245 appearances since replacing Unai Emery.
The £52m signing of Noni Madueke received criticism from Arsenal fans, but moments like this show exactly why so much was spent on someone who can rotate with Saka.
Noni Madueke in action for Arsenal
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Madueke has appeared in training on the right flank, so it does feel like the plan for the England international – who also favours his left foot – is to cut inside from that side and give Saka some rest where possible.
Eberechi Eze could immediately come into the starting XI
Arsenal moved for Eze after Kai Havertz suffered an injury, although the German started on the bench against Old Trafford, and it was unclear whether the England international would be an immediate inclusion in the starting XI.
However, if these injuries to Saka and Odegaard cause them to spend a few weeks on the sidelines, the new Arsenal No.10 could be required to make an immediate impact following his move from Crystal Palace.
Eze has – at least – enjoyed a full summer of preparation with Crystal Palace, and played 84 minutes of their Premier League opener against Chelsea, so he should be fit enough to start.