The Gunners’ 5-0 triumph over Leeds is marred by fears for two key stars, casting a long shadow over a crucial upcoming clash with Liverpool.
What should have been a day of unbridled celebration for Arsenal turned into an anxious wait for news after two of their most important players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, were forced off with injuries during a commanding 5-0 win against Leeds United.
Despite a dream home debut for new signing Viktor Gyökeres, who scored twice, and a brace from defender Jurrien Timber, the Emirates Stadium fell silent as first Ødegaard and then Saka limped from the pitch, souring an otherwise flawless performance.
The concerns began just before halftime when captain Martin Ødegaard was substituted with a shoulder issue. The real worry, however, struck in the 53rd minute when star winger Bukayo Saka pulled up after a sprint, clutching his hamstring—a sight that brought back painful memories from last season.
Speaking after the match, a concerned Mikel Arteta confirmed the worst for Arsenal fans. “Martin looks like a shoulder issue so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is,” he told Sky Sports. “And Bukayo felt something in his hamstring. It is the other side, but it is still not good.”
The injury is a brutal blow for Saka, who missed a significant portion of last campaign with a similar problem. He now joins Kai Havertz on the sidelines, leaving Arsenal’s attack suddenly depleted ahead of a mammoth trip to face reigning champions Liverpool next weekend.
Arteta stressed the importance of his squad depth, stating, “That is why the squad has to be well-equipped. It is going to be a long season and we are going to need a lot of players.”
The injuries also present a major headache for England manager Thomas Tuchel, with crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon next month. For now, however, all focus at the Emirates will be on the scan results, with a title-race showdown at Anfield looming large.
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