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Bukayo Saka is likely to be absent from Arsenal's Premier League match against Liverpool next Sunday due to a hamstring injury sustained during his team's victory over Leeds United on Saturday.
The 23-year-old, who was sidelined for four months last season with a similar problem, was substituted just eight minutes into the second half of his team's 5-0 triumph at the Emirates after reporting an issue with his left hamstring.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Mikel Arteta revealed that although the forward's injury wasn't the same hamstring as last season, it was "not good" with only eight days remaining before his team heads to Anfield to take on the Premier League champions.
"And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting and when he was wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring, I think," Arteta explained. "It is the other side, but it is still not good."
Depending on the severity of the damage to his left hamstring, the England international could be out of action for anywhere between two weeks and three months.
According to the Physio Scout on X, Saka's injury is likely to be a grade one or two strain, which could potentially keep him out of action for between two and six weeks.
If this is the case, the forward, who netted his second goal against Leeds United on Saturday, would miss matches against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle and West Ham. He would also be absent for the Gunners' opening games of the new Champions League season.
Martin Odegaard may also be absent for next week's trip to Anfield, having been substituted in the first half due to a shoulder problem, with Ethan Nwaneri taking his place.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “For Bukayo to come off, for sure it looks like something that is significant. He felt something in his hamstring while he was sprinting. That’s never a good sign.
“It’s not the same [hamstring] as the previous injury [Saka missed three months of last season with a hamstring injury]. But he’s had these injuries before. He knows exactly the feeling of that. So let’s wait. Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We’ll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better.”
Eberechi Eze could make his debut in the game though following his arrival from Crystal Palace, after Arsenal gazumped Tottenham at the 11th hour.
Arteta added: "It’s very difficult sometimes because you want to be very transparent and open with the players. They have to make decisions that are very important.”
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