Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal’s injury concerns grow | OneFootball

Arsenal‘s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby was tainted by growing injury concerns, with Bukayo Saka possibly becoming the latest addition to an already lengthy list of sidelined players.

Saka was forced off in the 86th minute, suffering from what appeared to be a thigh problem, leaving the pitch to be replaced by teenager Ethan Nwaneri.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

After the match, Mikel Arteta addressed Saka’s injury, saying, “I don’t know. I made two changes with the front players and suddenly he’s down. I don’t know exactly what it is but he could not continue.”

Arsenal’s injury woes

A Saka injury would come as a significant blow to Arsenal, already contending with a depleted squad.

Key players Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were unavailable for the match, with Odegaard nursing an ankle injury sustained on international duty.

“Martin, we still have to wait and see. He wasn’t available today,” Arteta said regarding the Arsenal captain’s status.

Norway’s midfielder #10 Martin Odegaard and Austria’s defender #15 Philipp Lienhart vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League, League B, Group B3 football match Norway vs Austria at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway on September 9, 2024. (Photo by Terje Pedersen / NTB / AFP) / Norway OUT (Photo by TERJE PEDERSEN/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

Oleksandr Zinchenko was another notable absentee, missing due to a recurring calf problem, while new signing Riccardo Calafiori is also sidelined with a calf/ankle injury picked up during international duty with Italy.

Current Arsenal injury list:

Saka’s possible injury raises concern

Saka’s withdrawal from the match follows a busy international period for the England star, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the Champions League starting this week and the trip to Manchester City next weekend.

The uncertainty surrounding his availability adds to the growing list of issues Arsenal are managing as they navigate the early stages of the season.

Arsenal, who were without Rice due to suspension, displayed their defensive resilience in the 1-0 victory, but injuries continue to pose a significant challenge as they seek to maintain their momentum in the Premier League.

Arteta remains hopeful that key players will recover soon but faces a difficult task in managing a squad hit by injuries.