Arsenal hit by injury crisis just before the big clash with Liverpool

24/08/2025 08:23:00 FieldFrenzy

Just two weeks after the 2025-2026 Premier League season began, Arsenal faced a wave of injuries as key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both left the pitch during a commanding 5-0 win over Leeds United.

Their absence, along with Kai Havertz currently recovering from injury, has left coach Mikel Arteta worried ahead of the major showdown with Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

In the home match at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal easily dominated newly promoted Leeds United. Jurrien Timber scored twice from corner kicks, new signing Viktor Gyokeres netted two goals, and Saka added a powerful strike just before halftime. However, the celebration was quickly dampened by concerning injuries. Captain Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury after a collision in the first half. Although he tried to keep playing, the Norwegian midfielder had to be substituted in the 38th minute for Ethan Nwaneri. Early in the second half, Saka was forced off only eight minutes after returning. The English star clutched his thigh in pain following a burst of speed and a clash with an opposing defender, showing signs of a hamstring injury.

Odegaard exited early in the Leeds victory

After the match, Arteta openly expressed his disappointment: "Martin felt pain in his shoulder after landing. He will need an MRI tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury. Bukayo experienced a hamstring issue after a challenge. Bukayo having to leave the field indicates the injury is quite serious." He also emphasized that this is a different leg injury than Saka’s previous one but still "unwelcome news." With Kai Havertz already sidelined due to a knee injury, Arsenal faces a significant risk of a depleted squad just as the new season kicks off.

This injury crisis has made new signing Eberechi Eze more important than ever. The attacking midfielder, signed from Crystal Palace, debuted in front of fans at the Emirates before the game and was warmly received. Arteta believes Eze will help bolster squad depth, especially as the team might miss Saka, Odegaard, and Havertz for the Liverpool match. "We need a strong squad to handle a long season. These injuries underline that," Arteta told Sky Sports.

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