Bukayo Saka was forced off in the 10th minute of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich after picking up a thigh injury. The England winger appeared to strain his quadriceps while attempting a pass outside the Bayern penalty area. He immediately went to the ground and signalled distress, prompting his early exit.
Eberechi Eze replaced Saka, returning to the starting lineup after missing out to Noni Madueke last weekend at Nottingham Forest. Saka limped off with visible discomfort, leaving Arsenal with a significant fitness concern as the team awaits further medical evaluation.
Saka has made a strong start to the season, contributing five goals and assists across all competitions. Arsenal are aiming to defend their Premier League title and improve on last season’s runners-up finish in Europe. However, injury has once again disrupted his progress. The 25-year-old has struggled to maintain continuous fitness throughout his career, with recurring muscle issues.
Last season, he dealt with an Achilles problem that limited his participation and forced him to manage the injury during England’s World Cup campaign. In 2025, Saka missed over 20 matches due to hamstring problems, a recurrence of an injury first sustained in December 2024. These ongoing issues have affected his availability for both club and country.
Mikel Arteta faces mounting challenges on the wings, especially with Christos Tzolis currently sidelined. Saka’s injury compounds the selection headaches for the Arsenal manager as he prepares for a crucial stage in the Champions League and domestic fixtures.
Arsenal have not yet provided a detailed update on Saka’s condition, but Arteta is expected to comment on the injury after the match. The timing of this setback could affect the Gunners’ ambitions in Europe, where they are competing against Bayern in a heavyweight clash.
The match against Bayern Munich was anticipated as a test of Arsenal’s quality on the continental stage. Losing a key attacker so early disrupts their tactical approach and could influence the outcome. Eze’s inclusion offers some cover, but the impact of Saka’s absence will be felt if he requires a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
According to Yahoo Sports.
