Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern over Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury and Martin Odegaard’s shoulder issue after their 5-0 win over Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta is worried about the injuries to star players Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard after their 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United.
Saka, who scored one of the goals, was substituted off due to a hamstring injury, while Odegaard felt something in his shoulder. Arteta described Saka’s injury as “significant” and noted that the player felt pain while sprinting.
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for Arsenal, as they’ll face Liverpool next Sunday.
Saka’s history with hamstring injuries adds to the concern, and Arteta will be anxious to get the results of the scans to determine the extent of the damage. Odegaard’s shoulder issue will also be assessed, and Arsenal will hope that it’s not serious.
Despite these setbacks, Arteta is excited about new signing Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million. Eze showed his enthusiasm for the club by calling Arteta while considering his transfer options. “Yes, that shows you how much he wanted to come,” Arteta said.
Eze’s arrival could provide creative depth to the team, potentially covering for Odegaard’s absence.
Arteta praised Eze’s ability to create magic moments on the pitch, describing him as having “flair” and “charisma that is very contagious”. Eze can play in various positions, including attacking midfield, right, or left, giving Arteta flexibility in team selection.
The match against Leeds also saw a promising debut from 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman, who came on as a substitute and won the penalty for Arsenal’s fifth goal.
Arteta was impressed by Dowman’s confidence and lack of hesitation, saying, “He’s so convinced that he can go at 15 and deliver that, which I’ve never witnessed in my life.”
Arsenal’s depth will be tested with Saka and Odegaard out, but players like Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Ethan Nwaneri, and Dowman could fill the gaps. The challenge for Arteta will be to maintain the team’s form and momentum despite these injuries.
