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Arsenal's promising start to the Premier League season was overshadowed by significant injury concerns during their 5-0 victory over Leeds United on August 23, 2025. Both captain Martin Ødegaard and star winger Bukayo Saka had to be substituted due to injuries, deepening Arsenal's growing list of absences. Ødegaard sustained a shoulder injury in the first half after a challenge, which forced him off despite initially attempting to play through the discomfort. Later in the match, after scoring Arsenal's second goal, Saka pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, causing immediate concern given his previous, lengthy recovery from a similar injury to the other hamstring last season. He was substituted off around the 53rd minute, visibly worried[1][2].
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed fears that Saka's injury could be "significant," emphasizing the risk given the winger’s history. Arteta described the moment when Saka pulled up during a run while competing with a defender, noting this was not the same hamstring as before but still serious. This development is troubling ahead of Arsenal's upcoming match against Liverpool and the commencement of Champions League fixtures, adding pressure on squad fitness[2][4].
Despite the injury setbacks, Arsenal produced a dominant performance, with Viktor Gyökeres and other forwards contributing to a comprehensive victory. The team’s clinical display showed promise for the season, although the simultaneous loss of key attacking players complicated celebrations. Arsenal’s attacking options are already limited due to Kai Havertz's ongoing absence, intensifying concerns over squad depth and fitness management[3].
Arteta remains cautiously optimistic about the team's trajectory but must now focus on recovery plans for Ødegaard and Saka to maintain momentum in a challenging fixture schedule. The severity of the injuries will be clearer following medical assessments, but early indications raise doubts over their availability for the near future[1][2][4].
PP