Mikel Arteta admitted that Bukayo Saka’s quadriceps injury doesn’t look good after the Arsenal man was forced off early in their 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.
The England international lasted just 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena before going to ground with sharp thigh pain, prompting immediate concern from the Arsenal bench.
Saka received treatment before being replaced by Eberechi Eze, who made an immediate impact by opening the scoring for the Gunners midway through the first half.
Arteta offered a worrying assessment of the 25-year-old’s condition after the match, although Arsenal must wait for medical examinations to establish the full extent of the problem.
“They (the medical staff) are a bit concerned,” the Spaniard told TNT Sports (via the Guardian).
“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 latest setback will concern Arsenal, given he is one of their most important players and has struggled with injuries.
The forward endured hamstring problems during the 2024/25 campaign, while an Achilles issue disrupted last season.
He will be a major loss, having scored four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions this term.
Arsenal will hope the latest injury is not serious. However, Arteta has alternatives who can fill the void if Saka is sidelined.
Noni Madueke switched to the right flank following Saka’s withdrawal, while Eze impressed on the opposite side after coming off the bench.
Eze has much to prove in Arsenal colours after a difficult start in North London, but this situation presents an opportunity.
The Gunners also have teenage prospect Max Dowman available as an attacking option.
Arsenal salvaged a valuable point in Munich through Declan Rice’s 82nd-minute equaliser after Harry Kane put Bayern ahead from the penalty spot, following Alphonso Davies’ equaliser.
Arsenal haven’t lost a Champions League game in 90 minutes since May 2025, when they lost to Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the setback, they sit seventh on the Champions League table and remain on course for automatic qualification.