MIKEL ARTETA has issued an update on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard after the pair were forced off during Arsenal’s match against Leeds United.
Odegaard was hauled off just 38 minutes into the Premier League clash on Saturday after falling awkwardly on his shoulder.
The Arsenal captain initially attempted to play on but made way for Ethan Nwaneri just before half-time.
Injury concerns then grew for the Gunners when Saka went down off the ball with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.
The winger was in some discomfort as he gingerly limped off in the 53rd minute – shortly after scoring.
Arsenal boss Arteta expressed concern about both injuries after the match but was particularly worried about Saka.
The Spaniard told Sky Sports: “Martin [Odegaard] looks like a shoulder issue, so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is.
“And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting, and when he was wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring, I think.
“It is the other side [to his previous injury] but it is still not good.”
Asked how long they might be out for, he added: “I don’t know. We already lost Kai Havertz, who is a big player for us, and now Bukayo and Martin.
“That is why the squad has to be well-equipped. It is going to be a long season, and we are going to need a lot of players in order to achieve what we want.”
Arteta also told BeIN Sports: “I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. But Bukayo, I took him off for something that looks significant.”
Following the injury to Saka, Leandro Trossard was introduced to play on the left, with summer signing Noni Madueke moving onto the right.
The former Chelsea man was eventually replaced by 15-year-old Max Dowman, who impressed on his Premier League debut.
Arsenal went on to win the match 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyokeres and Saka.
They face Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.
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