Arsenal dread that Bukayo Saka may be sidelined for at least six weeks after a quadriceps strain suffered in the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The 25‑year‑old is set for an MRI on Friday afternoon, aiming to pinpoint the damage that forced his exit in Wednesday’s 2‑2 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Fluid buildup around the muscle complicates diagnosis, yet early assessments suggest a six‑week layoff at minimum, possibly longer.
If those worries prove true, he’ll miss a string of crucial fixtures for the Gunners and England’s upcoming Nations League games versus Croatia and Spain.
“We need further scans and specialist input,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. In my view, his absence could derail our title push.
When a player limps off, pain limits his movement and it’s never a good sign. We must be patient to reach a clear verdict.
Another MRI is scheduled because abundant fluid obscured the injury’s extent; we expect clearer answers tomorrow.
Saka will sit out Saturday’s home Premier League clash with Everton, as second‑placed Arsenal aim to shrink the three‑point gap to leaders Manchester City.
The academy graduate has battled fitness setbacks lately; his minutes were trimmed at season’s end and during the World Cup after an Achilles problem in March.
He missed the March international break and seven club matches, yet returned to help Arsenal clinch the Premier League crown for the first time in 22 years.
Saka started the Champions League final loss to Paris St‑Germain but was withdrawn after 54 minutes, and featured in only three of England’s eight World Cup games, netting a hat‑trick in the 6‑4 third‑place win over France.
The forward also underwent hamstring surgery after an injury in December 2024, sidelining him for 101 days during the 2024‑25 campaign.
He logged 49 appearances in last season’s title run despite a stop‑start year; with recurring Achilles, hip and hamstring issues, will he be fit for the decisive stretch?