Weeks out for Saka leaves Arsenal and England facing tough choices

Mikel Arteta announced on Wednesday that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for weeks after the Arsenal winger collapsed with a thigh injury in the opening minutes of the Gunners’ Champions League draw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night in a tightly contested match.

Injury in Munich

The winger pulled up in pain just seconds after delivering a pass, clutching his thigh as he fell to the pitch. Medics attended quickly and he was substituted for Eberechi Eze, who later found the net in Munich. The match was level at 0‑0 when the injury occurred and eventually finished 2‑2.

After the game, Arteta told reporters that the medical team were “a bit concerned” and that a player leaving with sharp pain is never good news. He added that the club must “wait and see” before giving a definitive timetable. He stressed that further medical assessment is required before any training can resume.

Saka’s injury forced him out of Arsenal’s 2‑0 victory over Everton at the Emirates on Saturday, a match captured by Getty Images. Noni Madueke filled the wide‑right role as the Gunners secured the win with ease despite the absence. The win moved Arsenal closer to the top of the league table.

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Later in the week Arteta spoke to, confirming that Saka will be out for “weeks”. He said a scan is due in “a week or ten days” because “there’s so much fluid at the moment”, and that the picture is not clear enough to give an exact return date.

Impact on Arsenal and England

To date this season Saka has made ten appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist. Three of those goals came in the Premier League, while he has also scored and assisted in the Champions League.

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His prolonged absence also threatens England, as manager Thomas Tuchel will be without the England international for the November internationals. The Three Lions face Croatia and Spain in their final Nations League group games in three weeks, after Saka started three of four matches in the previous break and netted a double in the 7‑0 victory over Croatia.