Bukayo Saka faces a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. That will leave him out of action for both Arsenal and England for the next few weeks.
Saka injury blow for Arsenal ahead of Liverpool clash
Arsenal will be without their star winger for weeks as Bukayo Saka limped off during last weekend. The player has been ruled out for roughly four weeks. That means he will miss Liverpool game and England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
It’s a disappointing turn of fate especially since he was out for months because of a similar injury last season. Fans will be hoping this does not continue. Adding to the Gunners’ worries, skipper Martin Odegaard is also a doubt after hurting his shoulder in the same match. He was taken off in the first half and later spotted with his arm in a sling. Although, the medical team still thinks he has a shot of making it at Anfield.
Squad depth put to the test
What helps in these time is Arsenal’s bench strength. Last season, Mikel Arteta had more options available to him in the attacking third. This summer he has fresh options like summer signings Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. Whereas Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were reliable options for him last season. Youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman are also pushing for minutes. They could benefit from this injury setback to their senior teammates.
The north London side know that losing Saka for a month is far from ideal. That is especially in such a key run of fixtures. But, the depth they now have may help keep the momentum going. For the fans, it’s a waiting game to see how quickly their winger and captain can bounce back.
Author’s Opinion
Saka’s absence is a setback, no doubt, but Arsenal finally look equipped to cope with it. If the new signings step up, this could be the stretch that shows how far Arteta’s squad has come.