Injury Updates on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard Following Leeds Match

Arsenal has received encouraging news after initial scans on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard indicated their injuries are not as severe as first feared. The duo sustained injuries during Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Leeds United.

Odegaard injured his right shoulder in the 14th minute after falling following a challenge from Leeds’ Anton Stach. Saka also went down shortly after Leeds scored their third goal, scored by Viktor Gyokeres. Both players were substituted and appeared to be in discomfort.

Manager Mikel Arteta expressed cautious optimism, stating that subsequent scans showed the injuries were less serious than initially feared. Further assessments will be made in the coming week to determine their availability for the upcoming matches.

Saka had previously suffered a significant hamstring injury last season, sidelining him for over three months, while Odegaard missed 12 matches last campaign due to an ankle injury. Despite these setbacks, both players are expected to recover swiftly.

Images from the match show Saka leaving the pitch gingerly and Odegaard clutching his shoulder. However, the club remains hopeful that they will not face long-term absences, although their participation in next weekend’s fixture against Liverpool is still uncertain.

Arteta emphasized the strength of his squad, stating it is his best since taking charge in 2019, and clarified that the recent signing of Eberechi Eze was not a reaction to injuries. He also provided an update on Kai Havertz, who sustained an injury during the opening weekend, indicating that further tests are needed to assess the severity.