Arsenal Hit by Saka and Odegaard Injuries Ahead of Liverpool Clash
Arsenal’s big win over Leeds this weekend was overshadowed by a worrying double injury blow. Two of the Gunners’ most important players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, were both forced off the pitch, leaving serious concerns just days before a huge showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
The match had actually started brightly for Arsenal. Odegaard, the captain, was heavily involved in the first half until he went down after a challenge. At first, he tried to play on, but it soon became clear that his shoulder was causing him too much trouble. He was substituted and left the field looking frustrated, a sight that surely worried fans and coaching staff alike.
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If that wasn’t enough, things took another turn in the second half when Bukayo Saka, who had scored Arsenal’s second goal right before half-time, suddenly pulled up holding his leg. The 23-year-old signaled immediately that something was wrong, and after brief treatment, he had to come off in the 53rd minute. He was replaced by Leandro Trossard, but his body language told the story—Saka looked genuinely concerned. Having missed several months last season with a serious hamstring injury, the fear is that history could be repeating itself.
Commentators noticed his reaction too. Gary Neville, on co-commentary duty, remarked that Saka seemed to say “Oh my God” as he came off, a worrying sign given that he is known for rarely going down unless something is seriously wrong. Fans at the Emirates looked visibly anxious, and the stadium’s mood shifted despite the team being in full control on the scoreboard.
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for Arsenal. Next weekend, they face Liverpool in what could already be a key match in the title race. And Mikel Arteta’s squad is already stretched thin. Kai Havertz was unavailable against Leeds due to injury, Ben White also failed a late fitness test, and new signing Christian Norgaard has yet to feature because of his own recovery. Gabriel Jesus is still working his way back from knee surgery, while Jurrien Timber, despite a standout display with two goals against Leeds, is still having his minutes carefully managed.
The irony is that on the same day, Arsenal introduced their big new signing, Eberechi Eze, to the home crowd after snatching him from Tottenham in dramatic fashion. The unveiling of the £60 million man was meant to be a celebration of Arsenal’s growing squad depth and ambition. But by the final whistle, conversations had shifted to whether Saka and Odegaard would be fit in time for the trip to Anfield.
Arsenal fans will be clinging to the hope that both injuries turn out to be precautionary rather than long-term problems. Because without Saka and Odegaard, two players central to everything good about their attack, the challenge against Liverpool suddenly looks much tougher.
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