Arteta Says Bukayo Saka’s Injury ‘Doesn’t Look Good’ After Early Exit in Bayern Clash

When Arsenal’s winger Bukayo Saka collapsed to the pitch in the tenth minute of the Champions League meeting at the Allianz Arena, the usual roar of the crowd turned into a collective gasp. The England international was pulling a seemingly routine pass when, without any contact, his left quad gave way and he hobbled off, his face a mixture of pain and disbelief.

Back in the dressing room, Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta could barely conceal his worry. “It’s difficult to understand the extent right now,” he told reporters, his voice edged with frustration. “The early signs don’t look good at all – we’ll need scans to know exactly what we’re dealing with.”

Despite the setback, the Gunners rallied. Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice found the net, and Arsenal clawed back to finish the night 2‑2, snatching a point from the German giants. Yet the celebratory mood was muted, the shadow of Saka’s injury looming large over the squad’s upcoming fixtures.

Medical staff have already arranged an MRI, and the consensus among club insiders is that the winger could be sidelined for anywhere from six to eight weeks. If the prognosis holds, Arsenal will miss his pace, creativity, and work‑rate not only in the Premier League but also in the next round of European competition.

Arteta’s comments also hinted at a longer‑term plan: “We need to manage his load carefully when he comes back. He’s a vital part of our system, and we’ll do everything possible to get him fit without rushing.” The manager’s pragmatic tone suggests that the Gunners may look to other squad members – like Max Dowman, who recently impressed off the bench – to fill the creative void while Saka recovers.

Fans, meanwhile, are left with mixed emotions. The point against Bayern was hard‑earned, but the prospect of an extended absence for one of Arsenal’s brightest talents adds another layer of anxiety to an already packed calendar. As the club waits for the scan results, the focus will shift to keeping morale high and ensuring the rest of the squad can step up.