Major Arteta mistake becomes clear after Saka injury against Bayern

Arsenal now face a serious winger shortage after Bukayo Saka was forced off nine minutes into Wednesday night’s Champions League draw with Bayern Munich. The injury leaves Mikel Arteta with the prospect of starting 16‑year‑old Max Dowman against Everton in the Premier League’s eighth round, a decision many deem a major mistake.

Saka’s early exit and its fallout

Source notes that Saka collapsed immediately after kicking the ball, prompting a swift substitution. Ebereche Eze, who replaced him, scored a well‑taken goal and may earn a start against Everton despite a season of inconsistent form.

Madueke, who netted the winner versus Nottingham Forest, was shifted from the left to the right but failed to create any danger. In Bavaria he managed three dribbles, was dispossessed twice and recorded three unsuccessful touches, with only one key pass to his name.

Depth crisis and possible teenage debut

Dowman, praised as a brilliant talent, could become a starter, yet Arteta has senior options that remain unused. The club’s summer activity left the left side thinner: Gabriel Martinelli departed after Leandro Trossard was replaced by Christos Tzolis, and Ethan Nwaneri was loaned to Borussia Dortmund instead of staying as an extra winger.

Now the Gunners must decide whether to invest in the January market, where options will be limited and likely more expensive. After Saka’s injury the financial question looms – how much will Arsenal spend to plug the gap before the transfer window reopens?

Jamie, a Welsh journalist based in Valencia, Spain, studied at the University of South Wales and published the football book *Bluebird Heaven* with Pitch Publishing. Since then he has specialised in football journalism, PR and Spanish translation, working for groups such as Reach PCL and Iconic Group. His profile appears on GiveMeSport on Google and he is credited as Kai Pfaffenbach in the Reuters source.