Bukayo Saka Sidelined After Picking Up Injury in Arsenal’s Season Opener
Arsenal fans will have to cope without star winger Bukayo Saka for the next few weeks after the England international suffered a hamstring injury in the club’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Saka, who had started brightly, was forced off in the second half after feeling discomfort while driving forward with the ball under pressure from a Leeds defender. The setback slightly overshadowed what had otherwise been a dream start for the Gunners, with new signing Viktor Gyökeres announcing himself to the Emirates faithful by netting a second-half brace.
The comfortable win also saw Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard suffer a knock, adding to the team’s injury concerns. Despite the dominant scoreline, manager Mikel Arteta admitted after the match that the double injury scare was the only downside to an otherwise perfect performance.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta explained: “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We don’t know yet, we’ll have to scan him tomorrow to understand it better. And Bukayo, while he was running and carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring. So let’s see. I think it’s the other one, not the same as his previous injury.”
How long will Saka be out?
Early indications suggest Saka could be sidelined for up to a month, with hopes that he may recover in time for Arsenal’s crucial clash with Manchester City on September 21, 2025. However, the medical team will continue to monitor his progress over the coming weeks.
The Gunners now face a tough run of games without two of their most influential players. They host Liverpool in their next Premier League outing before the international break, and will return to action against Nottingham Forest immediately after.
For Arteta, the challenge will be maintaining Arsenal’s momentum in the league while carefully managing injuries to his key men.
