Injury Update: Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard Blow for Arsenal
Arsenal’s 5–0 win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium came at a cost, with both Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard forced off in the first half due to injuries. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed after the match that both knocks looked “significant,” and while initial scans offer some encouragement, their recoveries will be closely monitored.
Bukayo Saka – Hamstring Concern
Saka pulled up after a sprint and pass, looking visibly frustrated before being substituted. The winger, who has already been key to Arsenal’s strong start this season, is now facing a spell on the sidelines.
According to Physio Scout, the mechanism of the injury suggests a hamstring strain rather than simple tightness. The expected recovery times are:
Grade 1 strain: 2–4 weeks Grade 2 strain: 4–6 weeks Grade 3 strain: 8–12+ weeks
Early signs indicate Saka is likely dealing with a Grade 1 or 2 strain, which would put his return window at 2–6 weeks. Importantly, this isn’t the same hamstring that required surgery last season—an injury that sidelined him for four months—providing some reassurance.
Arteta admitted the situation is worrying, saying:
“For Bukayo to come off, for sure it looks like something significant… it’s the other one, not the same as the previous injury.”
With a crucial clash against Liverpool approaching, it appears unlikely that Saka will be risked, as Arsenal take a cautious approach to protect one of their most valuable players.
Martin Ødegaard – Shoulder Injury
Ødegaard’s evening was cut short after a heavy fall led to direct impact on his right shoulder. The Arsenal captain left the pitch in clear discomfort, sparking fears of a serious injury.
Medical experts suggest the issue is most likely an AC (acromioclavicular) joint sprain rather than a broken collarbone, which is considered less likely. The recovery timeline depends on the grade of the injury:
Low-grade sprain: Less than 2 weeks Grade 2/3 sprain: 2–4 weeks
Scans are expected to confirm the exact severity, but early assessments indicate that Ødegaard’s injury is not long-term. If it’s a low-grade sprain, he could return within a week or two; however, a higher grade would rule him out for up to a month.
Arteta kept his comments brief:
“Martin looks like a shoulder [injury], so we will have to scan….”
What This Means for Arsenal
Losing both Saka and Ødegaard at the same time is a major setback for Arsenal. The pair are central to Arteta’s attacking blueprint, and their absence could test the depth of the squad in the coming weeks. With Kai Havertz, Ben White, and Gabriel Jesus also sidelined, rotation options are becoming limited.
However, there were positives in the win against Leeds. Viktor Gyökeres netted twice to continue his fine form, and 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman impressed after coming off the bench, hinting at Arsenal’s promising future talent.
While both injuries are setbacks, neither appears to be season-threatening. Ødegaard may return sooner if scans confirm a minor sprain, while Saka’s timeline depends on hamstring severity but looks set for a few weeks out. Arsenal fans will be hoping both are back fit quickly, with Liverpool and other crucial fixtures on the horizon.
