Arsenal brace for Saka's possible two‑month absence after Bayern clash

Bukayo Saka was forced off early in Wednesday’s Champions League group match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena after sustaining a quadriceps injury. Arsenal fear the 25‑year‑old could miss up to eight weeks, with an MRI scan scheduled for Friday afternoon to confirm the extent of the damage.

Club medics said fluid surrounding the affected muscle has made a precise diagnosis difficult. Early examinations lead them to estimate a minimum six‑week lay‑off, though the period could extend further.

Head coach Mikel Arteta explained, “We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists.” He added that walking off the pitch left Saka in pain and limited his movement, “not a good sign.” Arteta urged patience, noting a second MRI was required because of the fluid and that more information would be known tomorrow.

Impact on upcoming fixtures

Saka will miss Saturday’s home Premier League clash with Everton, a game where Arsenal aim to close the three‑point gap on leaders Manchester City. His absence also threatens England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, which are scheduled in the coming weeks.

The winger suffered an Achilles injury in March, prompting the club to manage his game time at the end of last season and during the World Cup. He missed the March international break and seven Gunners matches before returning to help secure the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

Arsenal on alert: Saka out for six weeks with Champions League injury

Saka started the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint‑Germain but was withdrawn after 54 minutes. At the World Cup he started three of England’s eight games and scored a hat‑trick in the 6‑4 third‑place win over France. A hamstring injury picked up in December 2024 required surgery, sidelining him for 101 days in the 2024‑25 campaign.

He made 49 appearances as Arsenal claimed the title last term, despite a stop‑start season. In addition to the Achilles problem, he dealt with hip and hamstring issues, pulling out of a January match against Leeds with a hip injury. A separate hamstring setback kept him out for roughly four weeks earlier in the season.

Injury history and squad depth

Arteta acknowledged that Saka’s robustness and availability have certainly been different over the past year. The forward has already netted four goals in 11 appearances this season. His latest muscle injury raises questions about whether he can maintain the durability that made him a regular starter.

Arteta says Saka's injury could linger before Everton clash

Arsenal’s summer pursuit of a world‑class forward saw failed bids for Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez. They did sign Greece international Christos Tzolis, who is also currently injured. The club now looks to wing options Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and 16‑year‑old Max Dowman. Arteta praised Dowman’s talent despite his limited minutes this season.