Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over Bukayo Saka’s latest injury, admitting that the winger’s condition “doesn’t look good at all” after he was forced off early in the Gunners’ 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.
Saka suffered the injury inside the opening 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday after going down while attempting to play a pass.
The England international immediately signalled to the Arsenal bench and was replaced by Eberechi Eze. He was later seen pointing to his left quadriceps as he spoke with Arteta before leaving the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said the club’s medical team was concerned about the injury because Saka experienced sharp pain and had to leave the game so early.
“They are a bit concerned. A player that has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news, but we have to wait and see,” the Arsenal boss said.
Asked about the severity of the problem, Arteta added: “It doesn’t look good at all, but we have to see.”
Further assessment and scans will be required to determine the full extent of the injury and how long Saka could be sidelined.
Saka forced off after bright start
Saka had made a lively start to the encounter and had already threatened Bayern’s defence before the injury.
The 25-year-old went down without an opponent making contact with him while attempting to play a routine pass. He was visibly uncomfortable as he made his way off the pitch.
His absence could be a significant concern for Arsenal, particularly with the club facing a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Saka has started all seven of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season and two of their three Champions League games.
Eze steps up as Arsenal fight back
Despite losing Saka early, Arsenal took the lead through his replacement, Eberechi Eze, who opened the scoring in the 25th minute.
Bayern Munich responded through Alphonso Davies, before Harry Kane put the German champions ahead from the penalty spot in the second half.
Arsenal eventually rescued a point when Declan Rice equalised in the 82nd minute.
The result preserved Arsenal’s unbeaten Champions League campaign, but Saka’s injury overshadowed the hard-earned draw.
Arteta blames relentless match intensity
Arteta was also asked whether the increasingly demanding football calendar contributed to Saka’s injury.
The Arsenal manager pointed to the extraordinary intensity of top-level European football, noting that players are required to compete at maximum intensity for virtually every minute.
“It’s man-to-man for 96 minutes. Every action, there’s no breathing. The quality, the attention, the level that you need is unbelievable. It’s the highest level,” Arteta said.
He also referenced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s ACL injury in a separate Champions League fixture as an example of the physical demands players are facing.
Arsenal await further assessment
Saka’s injury now leaves Arsenal waiting for medical assessments before a clearer recovery timeline can be established.
The Gunners are scheduled to host Everton in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, 24 October, while another major league clash against Liverpool follows the following weekend.
For Arteta, the immediate priority will be determining the severity of Saka’s quadriceps problem and whether the influential winger will be available for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.
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