Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shook off the after-match hysteria following an emphatic 5-0 home victory against Leeds to provide a guarded but reassuring report on the fitness of his stars, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Bukayo Saka injury story on field:
In a game full of highs, Saka scored and led Arsenal but then instantly pulled up with obvious pain in the second half. Arteta confessed his worry, describing it as a “serious” hamstring problem—although interestingly, it seemed to be the opposite leg to the injury last season.
Odegaard, for his part, also departed early. He fell awkwardly and departed clutching his shoulder. Arteta intimated both players will have scans but emphasized the full extent of their respective injuries must be determined. As he put it: “Two negatives of the day.”
There is still hope, though. Early medical advice is that neither injury is as bad as initially thought—giving hopes that both might be back sooner rather than later. BBC correspondent Sami Mokbel has reported that Bukayo Saka is expected to be out of action for 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. They have an Anfield trip to play recent champions Liverpool on August 31. Saka will not be able to play in that fixture. It is a game which could determine the tone for Arsenal’s season.
Match summary:
Arsenal made a statement, thumping Leeds 5–0 at the Emirates. Timber and Gyökeres each bagged doubles, while Saka added a goal before being forced off injured. The 15-year-old Max Dowman stole the show with a confident debut, winning a stoppage-time penalty that Gyökeres calmly converted. A dazzling show tempered by injury concerns to key stars.
Options for Arsenal right now?
Arteta emphasized that this season, more than ever, demands squad depth. He cited a number of players already out, such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, and Christian Nørgaard, making it imperative that their replacements rise to the occasion.
To make way, fresh signings have already started to make their impression. Summer signing Viktor Gyökeres scored a double in his first game. Max Dowman, who is 15 years old, also made history as the second youngest Premier League player in history and scored a late penalty that Gyökeres converted.
Previously, Arsenal released their newest marquee signing, Eberechi Eze, from Crystal Palace in a transfer package worth as much as £67.5 million. Arteta hailed his skill, versatility, and charismatic personality—attributes he thinks will add a new dynamism to the team.
Arsenal have been given a boost as scans on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard suggested that neither have suffered long-term injuries, after both limped off in their win over Leeds. pic.twitter.com/xReoNxZPXi
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 24, 2025
Fans Reactions:
Supporters online expressed their relief with the medical scan update. “Scans indicated neither Bukayo Saka nor Martin Ødegaard have suffered long-term injuries.”
Another added, “Thank Christ.”
What This Means for Arsenal
Short-term doom, mid-term hope. The injuries appear dire at first glance, but initial assessments suggest shorter absences than anticipated—unless scans reveal different.
Key game next. The Anfield trip on 31 August is still in the balance. Without them, Arteta will have to dig deeper into his broader squad.
Depth of squad is crucial. Losers of several starters, Arsenal’s new and academy signings have already provided some respite.
Author’s Insight
Arsenal recorded a statement victory over Leeds, but the injuries were a timely reminder of how delicate success is. There isn’t any good news. Arsenal will not be having Bukayo Saka for 3-4 weeks. There’s hope that Arteta gets his stars back sooner than the stated duration. The scans indicate that—and Arsenal will face challenges in maintaining their momentum. Bukayo’s absence means Noni Madueke and Max Dowmann will get chances to play on the wing. New signing Eberechi Eze has all the qualities to play on that position.