Arsenal have received encouraging news after scans revealed that injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are not as severe as initially feared. Both players were forced off during the Gunners' commanding 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka suffered a hamstring problem in the second half, while captain Odegaard sustained a shoulder injury after an awkward fall. Manager Mikel Arteta had expressed significant concern post-match, particularly about Saka's hamstring issue.
Initial injury fears
"I haven't spoken to the doctor yet but for Bukayo to come off, it's significant," Arteta said when asked about the pair. "He felt something while he was sprinting. That's never a good sign. We'll have to wait tomorrow. But he's had these injuries before. He knows exactly the feeling of that. So let's wait. [For] Martin [it is] something in his shoulder. Two negatives of the day."
The injuries raised particular concern given Saka's history with hamstring problems. According to the Daily Mail, the England winger missed 3.5 months last season with a similar injury that required surgery, having previously missed only 10 games in Arsenal's last 172 matches.
Odegaard's injury occurred in the 14th minute following a challenge from Anton Stach, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Norwegian captain attempted to continue playing before being replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Squad depth challenges
Despite the injury scares, Arsenal now appear better equipped to handle such setbacks than in previous seasons. Former England defender Micah Richards believes the Gunners have developed the squad depth necessary to cope with key absences, as reported by Metro.
The club were already missing Kai Havertz, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Christian Norgaard for the Leeds clash. According to the Liverpool Echo, these same players remain doubtful for next Sunday's crucial encounter with Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool fixture doubt
While the scan results provide relief, uncertainty remains over both players' availability for the clash with the defending champions. The fixture represents Arsenal's first major test of the new season and losing either player would be a significant blow to their title ambitions.
"It's exactly how we wanted to start the first game, we won in a really convincing way," Arteta said. "I think we have to be very proud of the way we played, the way we dominated the game, not conceding any shots almost, and the clean sheet."
The victory showcased Arsenal's attacking prowess despite the personnel concerns, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice for his first goals at the club and Jurrien Timber also netting a brace in his return from long-term injury.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Metro", "Liverpool Echo", "Times"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
