Arsenal - Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium was overshadowed by injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and winger Bukayo Saka, leaving manager Mikel Arteta facing fresh concerns ahead of a crucial trip to Liverpool.
The Gunners climbed to the top of the Premier League table with the win, thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber (two), Saka, and Viktor Gyökeres (two), with 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman marking his first senior appearance by winning a stoppage-time penalty. But the celebratory mood was dampened by injuries to two of Arsenal’s most influential players.
Odegaard, 26, was forced off in the 38th minute after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder, while Saka, 23, limped off in the 53rd minute with an apparent hamstring problem shortly after scoring Arsenal’s second goal.
READ MORE: Arsenal suffer another injury blow against Leeds as Bukayo Saka is subbed off with a hamstring injury
Speaking after the match, Arteta described the injuries as the “negative” of an otherwise stellar performance. “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed; we will have to scan that tomorrow,” the Arsenal boss explained. On Saka, he added: “Bukayo felt something in his hamstring while running with the ball. For him to come off, for sure it looks significant. We’ll wait for the scans.”
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury against Leeds United on Saturday (Image credit: Getty Images)
Saka’s latest setback is particularly worrying given his history with hamstring injuries. The England international suffered a high-grade tear in December 2024, which required surgery and kept him out for three months. He also endured hamstring issues in October 2023 and October 2024.
Arteta confirmed that the current injury is to Saka’s left hamstring, different from his previous right-sided problems but admitted, “That’s never a good sign.” Depending on the severity, the winger could face anything from a two-week layoff to another long spell on the sidelines.
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Odegaard’s shoulder issue appears less serious but remains uncertain until further tests are conducted. Last season, the Norwegian missed 12 matches due to an ankle injury, during which Arsenal struggled creatively, something the club hope to avoid this term with the signing of £67.5 million playmaker Eberechi Eze.
Martin Odegaard injury
Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury against Leeds United (Image credit: Getty Images)
The injuries come at a difficult time, with Kai Havertz already sidelined by a knee injury. “We have so many games, anything can happen, and it happened to two of our most important players,” Arteta said. “We’re going to need everyone at their best and a lot of luck to avoid more injuries.”
Arsenal’s squad depth may now be tested. Eze is expected to provide creative cover for Odegaard, while Leandro Trossard and Noni Madueke could deputise for Saka on the right flank. Youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Dowman, both of whom featured against Leeds, also add further options.
The results of Sunday’s scans on Saka and Odegaard will shape Arsenal’s preparations for their high-stakes clash against Liverpool on August 31. With new signings Gyokeres, Eze, and Martin Zubimendi adding quality to the squad, Arsenal will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s injury crisis, which saw multiple key players sidelined as they finished second, 10 points behind the champions.
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