There are big concerns at Arsenal right now after Bukayo Saka was forced off against Leeds United with a bad-looking hamstring injury.
Straight after their 5-0 win over Leeds, Mikel Arteta said Saka’s injury looked ‘significant’, which set off alarm bells among the Gunners’ fanbase.
Martin Odegaard also went off with an injury in the victory during the first half, which is a major blow for the North London club ahead of their trip to Anfield.
But following further assessments of the winger, Saka’s injury timeframe has become clearer, and the news is positive for the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is substituted off injured after receiving medical treatment during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Bukayo Saka could return to face Nottingham Forest
Arsenal are hoping that Bukayo Saka will return from injury for their clash with Nottingham Forest after the international break, according to Charles Watts.
The Gunners are due to host Forest on September 13 in the first game back after the international break, meaning he would miss just one game.
Should Saka make his return against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, that would be a huge boost for Arsenal, who travel away to Manchester City in the game after that.
Watts told Caught Offside: “In Saka’s case, he will certainly miss this weekend’s game against Liverpool.
“Maybe the Nottingham Forest game after the international break will also come too soon for him, but there is certainly a hope he will be close to a return by that point.”
Gary Neville claims Saka said “oh my God” after a hamstring injury, but after further assessments, the injury doesn’t appear to be too bad.
Arsenal’s signing of Noni Madueke is now justified
Arsenal were ridiculed when they signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea, but now, with Saka sidelined, the deal makes a lot of sense.
Saka has had plenty of injuries over recent seasons, and it would have been naive of the Gunners not to have brought in an understudy.
The former Chelsea star now has the chance to make his mark on Arteta’s team and prove why he is worth the £55 million they paid for him.
Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze is likely to make his debut on the left for the Gunners, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line.