Arsenal were dealt major blows during their Premier League clash with Leeds United on Saturday as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard were withdrawn with concerning injuries.
“I think we have learned a lesson from last season and the squad you need right now...we have so many games anything can happen, it happened to two of our most important players. We already lost Kai [Havertz], so we are going to need everyone at their best. I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet, but [with] Bukayo took him off, for sure will look something that is significant,” Arteta said after the game.
A concerning quote given Arsenal travel to Anfield to take on the reigning champions, Liverpool, next.
The Gunners found themselves two goals ahead on the day against their newly-promoted adversaries at half time but the opening period was marred by Ødegaard’s substitution in the 38th minute. Having initially played through the pain after receiving medical treatment, the Norwegian trudged off after seemingly injuring his right shoulder and was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Things went from bad to worse on the injury front shortly after the restart as Saka, who had scored Arsenal’s second of the match, limped off with what appeared to be a left leg injury. The winger looked distressed as he left the field and immediately went down the tunnel.
Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of his two chief creators, especially given the Gunners travel to Premier League champions Liverpool next weekend. Arsenal won’t want to visit Anfield without Ødegaard and Saka, who will both need to be assessed swiftly.
It’s been a testing week for Arsenal’s medical staff, who have already been tending to Kai Havertz. The Germany international has suffered a knee injury that could see him spend a significant spell on the sidelines, although the recent arrival of Eberechi Eze does ease the club’s concerns in the final third.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Mikel Arteta Gives Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka Injury Updates After Victory vs. Leeds.
