Bukayo Saka's Injury Concern Casts Shadow Over Arsenal's Champions League Draw
Manager Mikel Arteta expresses significant worry over the quadriceps injury sustained by key winger Bukayo Saka during the match against Bayern Munich.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that the quadriceps injury sustained by winger Bukayo Saka in the Champions League draw against Bayern Munich "does not look good at all." The 25-year-old winger was forced off in the 10th minute of the 2-2 match at the Allianz Arena after going down with a "really sharp pain." He was replaced by Eberechi Eze, who later scored Arsenal's opening goal.
"They are a bit concerned," Arteta told TNT Sports. "A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news, but we have to wait and see."
Saka has faced previous fitness issues. His game time was managed at the end of last season and during the World Cup due to an Achilles injury sustained in March. He missed seven games for Arsenal and the March international break but returned to help the team win the Premier League title. He also underwent surgery for a hamstring injury in December 2024, which sidelined him for 101 days during the 2024-25 season.
Despite Saka's early departure, Arsenal delivered a strong performance and had opportunities to secure a victory, with Declan Rice scoring a late equalizer. Champions League pundit Nedum Onuoha acknowledged Saka's importance, noting that while the team "will miss the star power that he has," they possess other capable wide players who can step in.
Following Saka's substitution, Noni Madueke switched to the right wing and showed promise, while Eze made an impact from the left. Onuoha commented that the squad's depth allows for options, citing Madueke and Eze's contributions after Saka's exit. The club has invested significantly in its squad in recent transfer windows, providing alternatives.
Other attacking options for Arsenal include summer signing Christos Tzolis, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, and 16-year-old Max Dowman, who has demonstrated his potential. Arteta expressed satisfaction with the performance of his forward line in Saka's absence, particularly praising Eze's overall contribution and commitment.