Bukayo Saka’s early injury in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich has raised fresh concerns over his fitness ahead of a demanding season. The 25-year-old winger went down after just 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena, holding his quadriceps in visible discomfort before being replaced by Eberechi Eze, who later scored the opening goal.
Manager Mikel Arteta described the injury as worrying. “It does not look good at all,” he told TNT Sports. “They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see.”
Saka’s fitness has been an ongoing issue for Arsenal in recent months. He missed the March international break and seven club games due to an Achilles injury suffered in March 2026. Despite that, he returned to help Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years. His involvement in key matches has also been limited; he started the Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain but was substituted after 54 minutes, and played only three of England’s eight World Cup games, scoring a hat-trick in the third-place match against France.
Hamstring surgery in December 2024 sidelined Saka for 101 days during the 2024-25 season. His appearances last season totalled 49, despite a stop-start campaign that included a hip injury in January and a hamstring problem which kept him out for about a month.
Saka remains a central figure for Arsenal. His impact is clear in the team’s results, with a significantly better win percentage when he is on the pitch. His absence early against Bayern was immediately felt, though the team adapted. After Saka left the field, Noni Madueke switched from left to right wing and impressed with his energy, while Eze’s goal provided Arsenal with the lead.
Nedum Onuoha, speaking as a pundit on Champions League Match of the Day, noted the concern over Saka’s injury but stressed Arsenal’s squad depth. “The only negative is seeing one of their star players, Saka, having to pull up with an injury early in the first half,” he said. “He was lying on the floor with his hand up and he knew he was in a bit of trouble, so now the concern will be how long he is out for.”
Onuoha added, “It’s not necessarily something that means the team will struggle heavily, but there is a reason why he is regarded as one of the best players in this Arsenal team and is seen as being important for them.”
Arsenal’s style of play had attracted some criticism this season, but even before Saka’s withdrawal, they had enjoyed more possession than Bayern and played assertively. Saka has scored four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, contributions that will be missed if he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The club has invested heavily in squad reinforcements over the past two transfer windows, providing alternatives on the wings. Madueke, who can operate on either flank, and Christos Tzolis, a summer signing currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, offer options. Arsenal also have the 16-year-old Max Dowman, who has already scored in the Premier League.
Arteta praised Eze’s performance following Saka’s exit. “I think Ebs had a great game. Not only the ball, but the actions. His overall performance, I think his commitment without the ball as well,” the manager said. “And when the other ones come in, I think they really contributed to this. First of all, the energy. And then to bring different tools that the team needed in that moment to get something out of the game. So, very pleased again.”
The full extent of Saka’s injury remains unclear as Arsenal await further assessment. The club faces a critical period as they balance domestic and European commitments without one of their most influential players.
According to BBC Sports.
