Arsenal’s season has been hit by a devastating injury crisis, with star winger Bukayo Saka’s latest setback casting a dark shadow over the Gunners’ campaign. The 24-year-old, a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s squad, suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Leeds United last month, forcing him off early in the second half. Manager Mikel Arteta’s candid six-word admission in his post-match press conference—“He felt something while he was sprinting”—underscored the severity of the situation, exposing the brutal reality Arsenal now face with a mounting injury list.
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The injury occurred as Saka, in his trademark style, was driving forward with the ball, wrestling with a defender, only to clutch the back of his leg in pain. Arteta later clarified that this issue is distinct from the hamstring problem that sidelined Saka for several months last season, offering a sliver of hope. However, his confirmation ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool that Saka “will be out for a few weeks” has left fans bracing for a challenging period. Games against Nottingham Forest and Athletic Club are likely to come too soon, with a potential return against Manchester City on September 21, 2025, though a starting role seems unlikely given the need for caution.
Saka’s absence is compounded by injuries to other key players. Captain Martin Odegaard also limped off in the Leeds game, while Kai Havertz, Christian Norgaard, Ben White, and William Saliba have all been struck by fitness issues. Saliba, in particular, managed only a few minutes against Liverpool after twisting his ankle during the warm-up at Anfield. This injury crisis has forced Arteta to rely on squad depth, with players like Noni Madueke, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman expected to step up in Saka’s absence.
Despite the setbacks, Saka recently took to social media for the first time since his injury, posting an Instagram story on his 24th birthday. The image showed him seated, holding his dog in front of balloons and birthday banners, captioned with a heartfelt “Thank you for all your messages 🤍.” While the photo offered no clear indication of his mobility or recovery progress, the minor nature of the strain suggests he could soon return to training, albeit with Arsenal likely to take a cautious approach to his reintegration.
The Gunners’ injury woes have also impacted international commitments, with Saka absent from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and Saliba withdrawing from France’s matches. Instead, Saka has spent the past week at Arsenal’s London Colney training base, surrounded by teammates and loved ones as he begins his recovery.
For Arsenal, the road ahead is daunting. With a packed schedule and a reliance on younger or less experienced players, Arteta faces a test of his managerial acumen. The hope is that Saka’s return, potentially against Manchester City, will provide a much-needed boost. However, the stark reality of this injury nightmare highlights the fragility of Arsenal’s squad depth and the urgent need for careful management to keep their season on track.