Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka will only be sidelined for a ‘couple of weeks’
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Mikel Arteta has revealed Bukayo Saka will only be sidelined for a “couple of weeks” – but admitted it is a “big concern” that the England star has suffered two hamstring injuries in eight months.
Saka was withdrawn in the second half of Arsenal’s win against Leeds at the Emirates last weekend, and he will be absent for his side’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
However, the injury is not as bad as first feared and it is anticipated that the 23-year-old could be in a position to return to action next month.
Saka missed three-and-a-half months of last season following surgery on his right hamstring in December.
He returned in April and played 13 times before picking up another hamstring issue, albeit in his left leg, in just his second appearance of the new campaign.
“He (Saka) does not need surgery,” said Arteta.
He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks.
“But it is obviously a concern, a big one, especially when we talk about a sprinter and a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match, who needs that burst, that change of rhythm of pace to be as threatening as possible.
“But we will learn again as to why it happened and make him stronger.
However, captain Odegaard could yet feature at Anfield despite falling awkwardly on his shoulder in the win over Leeds.
“It is very unfortunate, and very sad for him,” said Arteta of Havertz, who missed three months of last season with a hamstring injury.
Kai Havertz has undergone a surgical procedure (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
“He did tremendously well to recover from the previous one.
There’s an injury there, but hopefully if everything goes well, he can cope with it.”
Arsenal finished runners-up to the Reds last season, 10 points behind Arne Slot’s side.
And when asked if Liverpool are the favourites to retain their crown, Arteta concluded: “The favourite is always the one that won the previous year.
“Somebody has to come and take that crown away from them so that is what we will try to do.