Bukayo Saka injury
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of Sunday’s huge Premier League showdown against Liverpool after picking up a hamstring injury in last weekend’s 5-0 victory over Leeds United.
The 23-year-old winger, who scored Arsenal’s second goal in the emphatic win that sent the Gunners top of the table, limped off late in the match alongside captain Martin Odegaard, who suffered a shoulder problem in the first half.
Manager Mikel Arteta described Saka’s setback as “significant” but stopped short of confirming the extent of the damage. Fears initially grew that the England international could face a lengthy layoff, having previously missed four months last season with a tear in his opposite hamstring.
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However, early scans have provided encouraging news, with reports fromBBC Sport suggesting Saka will be sidelined for up to four weeks rather than months. This means the winger is expected to return after the first international break of the season.
Bukayo Saka injury
Bukayo Saka could miss up to four weeks with a hamstring injury (Image credit: Getty Images)
The injury will still force Saka to miss some crucial fixtures, including Sunday’s trip to Anfield, hailed by many as an early title decider, next month’s home clash against Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal’s opening Champions League group-stage match. He will also sit out England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
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There remains an outside chance Saka could recover in time to feature against Manchester City at the Emirates on September 21, but Arsenal are expected to manage his comeback cautiously.
A more likely return date is after the Carabao Cup third round, scheduled for the week commencing September 22, before the Gunners travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on September 28.
While Arsenal fans will be relieved the injury is not long-term, the absence of their talisman for a pivotal run of fixtures represents a major blow as the North London club look to maintain their early-season momentum.
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