Arsenal await scan results as Saka faces minimum six weeks out with quadriceps injury
Arsenal expect Bukayo Saka to miss at least six weeks with the quadriceps injury sustained against Bayern Munich, with further scans set to clarify the extent of the problem.
Arsenal are bracing for Bukayo Saka to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks after the forward suffered a quadriceps injury in Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. The 25-year-old was forced off during the game, and the club's early estimate suggests the absence could stretch longer, with some fear it may reach around eight weeks.
Saka was due to undergo an MRI scan on Friday afternoon to better assess the damage. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta explained that fluid around the affected muscle has made the injury difficult to diagnose, saying further scans and specialist opinions are needed before a definitive assessment can be given. Arteta described a player walking off in pain and with restricted movement as not a good sign, while urging patience.
The timing is significant for Arsenal, who sit second in the Premier League and host Everton on Saturday hoping to close a three-point gap on leaders Manchester City. Saka will miss that match, and if the early concerns are confirmed he would also be absent for England's forthcoming Uefa Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.
The injury adds to a recent pattern of fitness issues for the Arsenal academy product. He has dealt with Achilles, hip and hamstring problems in recent months, including hamstring surgery in December 2024 that kept him out for 101 days, and his game time was managed at last season's end and with England at the World Cup. Arteta has acknowledged that Saka's robustness and availability have been different over the past year or so.
Arsenal's attacking options are further stretched because summer signing Christos Tzolis is also currently injured. That leaves Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and 16-year-old Max Dowman as alternative wing choices, with Dowman having seen limited minutes this season despite Arteta's praise for his talent. Arsenal had sought a world-class forward in the summer but were unable to complete such a deal.
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