Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka injury update after Arsena’s win over Leeds United | OneFootball

Arsenal Await Clarity as Bukayo Saka Injury Clouds Momentum

Arsenal left Elland Road with three points and a sense of authority, yet the afternoon carried an undercurrent of concern. Bukayo Saka, named in the starting lineup, never made it to kick-off. A problem during the warm-up forced a late change and left Mikel Arteta searching for answers rather than offering reassurance.

For a side pushing deep into multiple competitions, Saka’s fitness matters profoundly. His absence from a 4-0 win over Leeds did little to blunt Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, but it did sharpen the focus on squad depth, workload and the fine margins that define a season.

Warm-Up Concern Sparks Late Change

Saka’s withdrawal came suddenly. As teammates completed their final preparations, he headed down the tunnel alongside an Arsenal physio, replaced almost instantly by Noni Madueke. The adjustment was seamless on the surface, but it spoke to the uncertainty Arteta later acknowledged.

“So in the warm-up he had a little niggle,” Arteta explained. “He wasn’t comfortable to start the game so immediately we made a decision to make that change and bring Noni in and he was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes.”

That decision prioritised caution over risk. With Arsenal facing a congested schedule, Arteta showed no appetite for gambling with a player who has carried heavy responsibility across several seasons.

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Madueke Impact Highlights Squad Depth

Madueke’s response could hardly have been better timed. The winger delivered two dangerous crosses in the opening phases, directly contributing to Arsenal’s early control. His delivery for Martin Zubimendi’s header marked his first Premier League assist for the club, a milestone wrapped in confidence rather than relief.

Arteta was quick to highlight preparation rather than chance. “The way he prepares, the way he waited for an opportunity, I think it paid off today. He really impacted the team.”

It was a reminder that while Saka remains central to Arsenal’s identity, the squad has evolved. There is now an expectation that deputies step in with purpose rather than merely filling space.

Arteta Offers Caution Over Injury Severity

Post-match discussion inevitably returned to Saka. Commentary suggested a possible issue with his left hip, though Arteta avoided specifics. Asked directly how serious the injury might be, his answer was brief. “We don’t know yet.”

That uncertainty lingers as Arsenal prepare for a swift return to action. The Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea looms, a fixture that demands intensity and composure. Whether Saka will be fit remains unclear and assessment will follow once the squad returns to London.

Arteta’s guarded tone reflected experience. Injuries often reveal their true nature only after adrenaline fades and scans provide clarity. For now, Arsenal wait.

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Merino Doubt Adds to Selection Questions

Saka is not the only concern. Mikel Merino missed the Leeds match entirely and faces his own spell on the sidelines. The midfielder has been dealing with a foot issue that requires further examination.

“He’s got an issue in his foot,” Arteta said before the game. “It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we have some exams. We need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out.”

The timing is awkward. Arsenal’s momentum is strong, performances assured, yet the physical toll of sustained ambition is beginning to surface. Arteta’s challenge now is one of balance, protecting key players without losing rhythm.

The win at Elland Road showed Arsenal’s resilience and adaptability. The days ahead will reveal whether that adaptability must stretch further, with Saka’s condition likely to shape selection and strategy in the immediate future.