Bukayo Saka’s latest injury has raised fresh concerns at Arsenal. The forward was forced off early against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
His return date remains uncertain. Manager Mikel Arteta says more tests are needed before a decision can be made.
Saka suffered a suspected quadriceps injury during Arsenal’s 2–2 Champions League draw in Munich. Reports have suggested he could miss at least two months, but that timeline has not been confirmed by the club.
More Tests Needed
Speaking before Arsenal’s Premier League match against Everton, Arteta said the injury required further assessment.
“We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists,” he told reporters.
The manager said Saka’s difficulty walking without pain was worrying. His movement had also been restricted after the injury.
No firm return date was announced. Further medical advice is expected to guide the next steps.
A Heavy Workload
Saka has played a major role for Arsenal since breaking into the first team as a teenager. He has also become a regular for England.
That workload has raised questions about how his minutes should be managed. The 25-year-old missed several months of the 2024–25 season with a hamstring injury. An Achilles problem also affected him last season.
Arteta said Arsenal would need to review the demands placed on Saka when he returns.
“We really need to understand now, when he comes back, whenever that is, how are we going to manage that load again?” he said.
The manager added that the club must assess what the winger can sustain while remaining effective for the team.
Dowman Could Get More Minutes
Saka’s absence could create an opportunity for young forward Max Dowman. The 16-year-old has impressed during his chances with the senior side.
Arteta said Dowman was training well and had shown he could influence matches. More playing time could follow while Saka is unavailable.
“There is something inevitable to go back to that memory and the feeling of the moment,” Arteta said, reflecting on Dowman’s previous breakthrough at Everton.
“He is training, and every time he's got a moment to play, he is showing that he is a player who is going to impact the game, so for sure he is going to have minutes.”
A Key Absence for Arsenal
Saka’s injury comes at a demanding point in Arsenal’s season. His attacking contribution has made him a central figure in the club’s title ambitions.
The full extent of the latest setback remains unclear. For now, Arsenal’s priority is to establish the severity of the injury and manage Saka’s recovery carefully
