Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were both forced off with injury in Arsenal’s game against Leeds United on Saturday evening.
The Gunners made just two changes from the starting eleven that took to the field against Manchester United last week, with Noni Madueke replacing Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber coming in for Ben White.
Timber gave the home side the lead in the first half, nodding home from a Declan Rice corner.
Saka’s expert finish then doubled the Gunners’ advantage, before a brace from Viktor Gyokeres and another from Timber wrapped up the three points in the second period.
Arsenal fans couldn’t believe Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both went off injured vs Leeds
Arsenal’s 2024/25 season was derailed by injuries, with the likes of Saka, Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus all sustaining serious setbacks.
Havertz suffered a knee injury earlier this week, which is expected to keep him out of action for some time, and this isn’t the only fitness concern Arteta has to contend with after Saturday’s clash.
Odegaard walked off with a shoulder injury mid-way through the first half, before Saka was also forced off the pitch with what appeared to be a hamstring issue early in the second.
Having suffered on the injury front last week, Arsenal fans were in disbelief at the bad luck they’ve already faced so far this campaign.
One fan wrote on X: “2 games and 2 injuries. Plus ca change.”
Another added: “5 injuries across two games is horrific luck.”
One supporter posited: “Saka repeat injury. Oh boy. Bother. Two games in, and we’ve lost Havertz, Odegaard, and Saka.”
Meanwhile, another fan wrote: “Another injury. Unbelievable. Doesn’t look good for Saka. Massive, massive blow.”
Noni Madueke and Ethan Nwaneri should get a run for Arsenal if injuries are serious
If Odegaard and Saka are out for a significant period of the season, Arsenal and Arteta have a real issue on their hands.
Odegaard is central to the Gunners’ ball progression and ability to break down low blocks, while Saka is the North Londoners’ talisman in forward areas.
That said, Arteta has two players who have the potential to form a deadly partnership on the right-hand side of his team’s attack.
The Spaniard has a tendency to try and find new solutions rather than turning to the next man up when key players are missing, but he should let Nwaneri and Madueke start together in upcoming games.
Madueke struggled against Leeds on the left, but looked considerably more comfortable on the right, and is a natural alternative to Saka, bringing similar qualities to the Hale End graduate.
Meanwhile, Nwaneri needs a run in Arsenal’s team to try and establish himself as a genuine option, and has the potential to do so if he can get up to full speed.
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