How Long Arsenal Stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard Will Be Out After Serious Injuries vs Leeds
- Arsenal have started the 2025/26 season battling injuries and Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are the latest victims
- The Arsenal duo picked up what appears to be serious injuries in the Gunners 5-0 victory against Leeds on Saturday
- Both players are expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks as Arsenal’s title credentials is put to the test early
Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates on Saturday was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns for two of their most influential players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Both players were forced off in the first half, sparking fears of another early-season injury crisis for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Source: Getty Images
The Gunners had stormed to their second straight win of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign thanks to braces from Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres, with Saka adding a goal of his own, Sky Sports reports.
But the celebrations were cut short as Arsenal fans anxiously awaited updates on the fitness of their captain and their talismanic winger.
How long will Odegaard be out?
Club captain Martin Odegaard was the first casualty, landing awkwardly on his right shoulder in the 38th minute.
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Initially attempting to carry on, the Norwegian eventually had to be replaced by youngster Ethan Nwaneri.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted Odegaard “felt something in his shoulder” and the club would need scans to assess the extent of the damage.
Injury analyst Physio Scout later explained that the most likely scenario is an AC joint sprain rather than a broken collarbone, per GiveMeSport.
If it’s a low-grade sprain, Odegaard could return within a week or two, but a more severe grade 2 or 3 sprain could sideline him for up to a month.
For now, Odegaard remains a doubt for Arsenal’s heavyweight clash against Liverpool next weekend.
Saka faces longer spell on the sidelines
Bukayo Saka added to Arsenal’s worries when he pulled up with a hamstring problem shortly after scoring in the second half.
Source: Getty Images
Arteta confirmed it was his “other hamstring,” not the one that required surgery last season, but admitted the England winger’s visible frustration was a bad sign.
Physio Scout’s early assessment suggested Saka suffered a grade 1 or 2 hamstring strain, which could see him ruled out for anywhere between two to six weeks.
Having already missed four months of last season with a similar problem, Arsenal will be desperate to avoid another prolonged absence for their star winger.
The news comes at a crucial stage of the season, with fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City looming large on the calendar.
Losing Saka for any extended period would be a devastating blow to Arsenal’s attacking balance.
Arsenal’s growing injury list
Beyond Odegaard and Saka, Arsenal’s injury list is becoming increasingly concerning.
Kai Havertz was ruled out before the Leeds clash, though no timeframe has been provided for his recovery.
Summer signing Christian Norgaard is still waiting for his debut as he continues rehabilitation, while Ben White failed a late fitness test.
Even Jurrien Timber, the unlikely two-goal hero on Saturday, is being carefully managed after last season’s ACL setback.
Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from the same injury.
Arteta discusses Odegaard and Saka injuries
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest update on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka after both suffered injuries against Leeds United.
The Gunners move to the top of the Premier League table, but Arteta has more worries after the injury to two of his main attackers.
Source: Legit.ng
