Saka Ruled Out for Up to Four Weeks: Arsenal and England Suffer Setback Ahead of Key Fixtures

Key Takeaways:

• Bukayo Saka has been sidelined for up to four weeks following a hamstring injury sustained during Saturday’s victory over Leeds United
• The 23-year-old will miss Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday, as well as England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia next month
• Martin Odegaard remains a doubt for the Liverpool fixture after suffering a shoulder injury but has not yet been ruled out

Arsenal Dealt Major Injury Blow

Bukayo Saka is expected to be absent from action for as long as four weeks, ruling out the influential winger from Arsenal’s visit to Liverpool this Sunday. Saka, aged 23, was forced off with a hamstring problem during his side’s emphatic home win over Leeds United on Saturday. In addition to missing the Premier League clash at Anfield, he is also set to be unavailable for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia scheduled for next month.

Odegaard’s Fitness in Question for Anfield Test

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is also facing a race against time to be fit for the crucial encounter with Liverpool. The midfielder, 26, sustained a shoulder injury during the same dominant 5-0 triumph against Leeds and had to be substituted in the first half. The Norwegian left Emirates Stadium with his arm immobilised in a sling, raising concerns about his availability. However, Odegaard has not officially been ruled out of Sunday’s fixture, and there remains optimism within the club regarding his potential to feature, as well as encouraging signs that neither he nor Saka are at risk of long-term absence.

Squad Depth Offers Hope Amid Injuries

There is an added sense of relief surrounding Saka’s case this season, particularly after the winger previously missed three months of play last campaign due to a hamstring complaint. Arsenal enter this period with a significantly bolstered attacking lineup compared to last year, having secured the services of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze during the summer transfer window.

Manager Mikel Arteta retains a wealth of alternative options to cope with the temporary loss of both Saka and Odegaard. The Gunners’ attacking ranks now include Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman, ensuring depth and flexibility as the club navigates this challenging spell.