'The Medics Are Concerned': Arteta Fears Worst Over Saka Injury

Mikel Arteta admitted he is bracing for bad news over Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal winger was forced off with sharp thigh pain just ten minutes into the Champions League draw at Bayern Munich.

Saka received treatment pitchside before being replaced by Eberechi Eze, who went on to open the scoring for Arsenal. Speaking afterwards, Arteta did not hide his concern about the injury's severity.

Arteta tells TNT Sports

"They (the medical staff) are a bit concerned," Arteta said. "A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news, but we have to wait and see." Arsenal must now wait for full medical examinations to establish the extent of the problem.

• Injury: thigh, forced off after 10 minutes
• Replaced by: Eberechi Eze, who scored shortly after coming on
• Season record before injury: 4 goals in 11 appearances across all competitions
• Recent injury history: hamstring issues in 2024/25, an Achilles problem last season

Options if Saka is sidelined

Should Saka be ruled out for a period, Arteta has options: Noni Madueke shifted to the right flank after the injury, Eze impressed from the opposite side, and teenage prospect Max Dowman remains available as a further attacking alternative. None, however, offer quite the same output as a player who has become one of Arsenal's most important attackers.