Arteta fears long spell for Saka after early Bayern exit
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he is worried after winger Bukayo Saka limped off with a thigh injury ten minutes into the Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena, which ended in a 2‑2 draw against German champions Bayern Munich on 21 October 2026.
Early injury forces Arsenal reshuffle
Saka collapsed in pain, clutching his left thigh, and was assessed by Arsenal's medical team before being substituted. His place was taken by Eberechi Eze, who entered the game in the tenth minute.
Match swings and final equaliser
Eze gave Arsenal the lead in the 25th minute, finding the net to make it 1‑0. Ten minutes later, Bayern's Alphonso Davies levelled after a first‑half assist from Harry Kane.
Harry Kane then restored Bayern's advantage with a penalty in the second half, before Declan Rice struck an 82nd‑minute equaliser to secure the 2‑2 finish.
Injury implications and player comments
Arteta later said, “It doesn’t look good at all but we will have to wait and see. They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news.”
Arsenal on alert: Saka out for six weeks with Champions League injury
Saka has contributed four goals in ten matches this season and added a Champions League assist, but his thigh problem adds to a recent string of injuries, including Achilles and hamstring issues that limited his minutes last season.
Harry Kane, a Ballon d’Or contender ahead of next week’s ceremony in London, has now scored 58 Champions League goals, one away from matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring in 11 consecutive Champions League matches.
Declan Rice praised Kane, saying the English captain “is the clear winner” and that his numbers speak for themselves, describing him as “ridiculous” and a “pain” to play against.
Ballon d’Or 2026: confidentiality tested ahead of London gala
The incident was reported by Ian Ladyman and Harry Bamforth for Live Sports Coverage on 21 October 2026. Their account highlighted the early injury and its potential impact on Arsenal’s campaign.