Arsenal have been handed a major blow ahead of their massive Premier League clash with Liverpool, as Bukayo Saka is expected to miss up to a month with a hamstring injury. Martin Odegaard is also a doubt after hurting his shoulder against Leeds, however, early assessments of the Norwegian's injury suggest the Gunners captain will not face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Saka is sidelined for a month with a hamstring injuryOdegaard doubtful after shoulder issue against LeedsArsenal face Liverpool without two key attacking starsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Saka was forced off in the second half of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds after suffering a hamstring injury. Early scans show the problem is not as severe as first feared, but the winger is expected to miss around four weeks of action, as per The Independent. Meanwhile, Odegaard left the pitch in the first half after falling awkwardly on his shoulder and was later spotted in a sling, and the report suggests that the Gunners captain will likely miss the Premier League clash with Liverpool.
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Both injuries come at a crucial stage of the season, with Arsenal preparing for a trip to Anfield to face champions Liverpool. Losing Saka is a particular blow, given his importance in attack for Mikel Arteta and his previous long lay-off with a similar injury last year. However, Arsenal’s summer signings — including Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze — will provide greater depth to cover the England international's absence.
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Saka will also miss England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia in September. Odegaard, however, could return much sooner for the Gunners. Arteta's side will also be without Kai Havertz, who remains sidelined with a knee injury he picked up earlier this month.
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Arteta must now prepare his side for a massive clash against Liverpool, a match which could potentially end up being season-defining, without two of his biggest stars. The Arsenal boss will likely turn to new arrivals Gyokeres and Eze to help fill the gap in attack. Fans will hope Saka and Odegaard recover quickly, with a busy run of fixtures set to test the Gunners’ squad depth.