Arsenal - Ian Wright with Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has urged manager Mikel Arteta to turn to new signing Noni Madueke on the right flank if Bukayo Saka is ruled out of next weekend’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
Concerns over Saka’s fitness emerged after the winger limped off clutching his left hamstring during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates on Saturday. The win maintained the Gunners’ perfect start to the season, with Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber both scoring twice and Saka netting shortly before half-time. But the celebrations were tempered by injuries to Saka and captain Martin Odegaard, who was forced off earlier with a shoulder problem.
Post-match, Arteta admitted Saka’s setback “looks significant,” with scans expected to confirm the severity. The Arsenal boss could now be without two key players for the trip to Anfield.
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Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright said he was relieved the issue was with Saka’s left hamstring rather than a recurrence of the right hamstring injury that sidelined him for three months last season.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke made his first start for Arsenal against Leeds United (Image credit: Getty Images)
“It was a relief to know it was the left hamstring because an operation on a hamstring says it’s very, very serious,” Wright explained. “At this stage of the season, he’s done the right thing: go down early, catch it, and hopefully it’s not too bad. But hamstrings are usually four to six weeks.”
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The Arsenal legend tipped Madueke, a £48.5 million summer signing from Chelsea, as the obvious replacement. “This is why signings like Madueke are important,” Wright said. “He can play that side, that’s where he likes to play. I’m not saying he’ll be Saka, but he can fill the gap until Saka comes back and he’s got a chance now.”
Madueke, who began the Leeds game on the left but switched to the right after Saka’s exit, offered flashes of his ability. Naturally a right winger, the 23-year-old averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes for Chelsea last season and is noted for his two-footed play, with a higher share of attempts struck on his left.
Arteta may also turn to other new recruits to balance his attack. Eberechi Eze, introduced to the home crowd before kick-off against Leeds following his £60m move from Crystal Palace, is likely to feature, while 15-year-old Max Dowman impressed on debut by winning a penalty.
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