North London is waiting on clearer news after Bukayo Saka left the field against Bayern with a fresh fitness problem, placing Arsenal’s key wide forward under immediate scrutiny during a demanding European stretch.
Mikel Arteta said the initial picture was concerning, with Saka due for another MRI scan after fluid around the affected area made it difficult to establish the full extent of the injury. A definitive diagnosis was not yet available, but Arsenal expected to know more the following day after further imaging and specialist assessments.
Quick facts
- Bukayo Saka, 25, was forced off in Arsenal’s match against Bayern.
- Fluid in the injured area has complicated the first examination.
- Arteta said additional scans and specialist input were required.
- There are fears Saka could be absent for at least six to eight weeks.
- Arsenal must plan carefully for his workload whenever he returns.
“It does not look good,” Arteta said. “He has another MRI this afternoon because there was considerable fluid there, so it was hard to understand the extent of it. We will probably know more tomorrow.”
The Arsenal manager stressed that the club would need a more tailored approach to Saka’s physical demands once he is fit again. Arteta said the priority was to build the right environment for the England international to show his qualities while establishing what level of workload he can tolerate and still influence the side.
The latest setback continues an unwelcome pattern for a player who has carried a heavy share of Arsenal’s attacking responsibility. Saka made 31 Premier League appearances last season and 25 in the campaign before that, both reduced totals compared with his previous three league seasons of 38, 38 and 35 matches.
For Arsenal, the concern reaches beyond one European night. Saka’s availability has become a central question in a campaign where the club need their most decisive wide player not only back on the pitch, but protected once he returns.
