Arsenal are concerned Bukayo Saka could be sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a quadriceps injury during their 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich, with the England international facing a further spell on the sidelines if initial medical fears are confirmed.
The 25-year-old winger was forced off just 10 minutes into Wednesday’s encounter at the Allianz Arena after experiencing sharp pain in his thigh while attempting to play a pass. He was replaced by Eberechi Eze as Arsenal continued without one of their most influential attacking players.
Initial examinations have raised concerns about the severity of the injury, with reports suggesting Saka could miss between six and eight weeks. However, Arsenal are awaiting further medical assessments before confirming the extent of the damage or providing a definitive recovery timeline. <Cite refs={["turn813519search5","turn813519search4"]}/>
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Saka would undergo another MRI scan because significant fluid around the affected muscle had made it difficult for the medical team to establish the full extent of the problem. The club is also seeking additional scans and specialist opinions before deciding on the next steps in his treatment.
Arteta admitted the early signs were concerning, explaining that Saka’s difficulty walking without pain and restricted movement after leaving the pitch were not encouraging indications. The Arsenal boss nevertheless urged patience while the medical team works towards a clearer diagnosis.
Saka has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton, where second-placed Arsenal will attempt to reduce the three-point gap to leaders Manchester City. Should the initial six-to-eight-week estimate prove accurate, the winger could miss several important domestic and European fixtures, as well as England’s upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. <Cite refs={["turn813519news17","turn813519search5"]}/>
The potential absence represents a significant setback for Arsenal, given Saka’s importance to their attacking play. His ability to create chances, score goals and stretch opposition defences has made him a central figure in Arteta’s plans, and his absence will place greater responsibility on the club’s other wide players.
Eze is among the options available to cover on the right flank, while Noni Madueke could also be asked to take on a greater role. Arsenal will need to find an effective solution if Saka faces an extended recovery period, particularly with their schedule demanding performances across several competitions.
The latest injury also renews concerns about Saka’s recent fitness record. The winger has dealt with several physical setbacks over the past two seasons, including a hamstring problem that required surgery in December 2024 and kept him out for approximately 101 days during the 2024-25 campaign.
He subsequently experienced an Achilles injury that forced him to miss the March international break and seven Arsenal matches. Although he returned to help the club secure the Premier League title, his workload was carefully managed towards the end of the season and during England’s World Cup campaign.
Saka also suffered a hip problem that forced him to withdraw from a match against Leeds United during the warm-up, while another hamstring issue caused a further spell on the sidelines. Despite those interruptions, he made 49 appearances for Arsenal last season.
Arteta has acknowledged the demands placed on players by an increasingly congested football calendar, with limited recovery time between club and international fixtures. The Arsenal manager believes careful workload management will be important in protecting players’ fitness and ensuring they can sustain their performances throughout the season.
For now, Arsenal must wait for the results of Saka’s latest medical examinations before determining how long he will be unavailable. While the early indications suggest a lengthy absence is possible, the club has yet to confirm an official recovery timeline.
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