Arsenal await further scans as Saka faces possible eight-week absence

Arsenal are awaiting further medical assessments of Bukayo Saka after the forward suffered a quadriceps injury during Wednesday's Champions League draw at Bayern Munich. According to BBC Sport, early examinations have raised fears that the 25-year-old could be sidelined for at least six weeks, with an absence of up to eight weeks possible. That recovery estimate remains provisional rather than a confirmed timetable.

Watch the highlights:

Saka was forced off during the 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena and was due to undergo an MRI scan on Friday afternoon. BBC Sport reported that fluid around the injured muscle had complicated efforts to establish the extent of the damage. Manager Mikel Arteta said more scans and specialist opinions were needed before Arsenal could provide a definitive assessment, explaining that Saka had experienced pain while walking and restricted movement.

The forward will miss Saturday's Premier League home match against Everton. Arsenal enter that fixture in second place, three points behind leaders Manchester City. If the initial medical concerns are borne out, Saka would also be unavailable for England's forthcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. His availability beyond the Everton game therefore remains dependent on the findings of the additional examinations.

The latest injury follows a disrupted period for the Arsenal academy graduate. An Achilles problem sustained in March caused him to miss that month's international break and seven club matches. His playing time was subsequently managed towards the end of last season and during England's World Cup campaign, although he returned to contribute to Arsenal's first Premier League title in 22 years.

BBC Sport reported that Saka nevertheless made 49 appearances during that title-winning season. Other interruptions included a hip injury in the warm-up before a January match against Leeds and a hamstring problem that kept him out for about four weeks. Earlier, surgery following a hamstring injury sustained in December 2024 had resulted in a 101-day absence during the 2024-25 campaign.

Saka started Arsenal's Champions League final defeat by Paris St-Germain last season but was replaced after 54 minutes. At the World Cup, he started three of England's eight matches and scored a hat-trick in their 6-4 third-place victory over France. Arsenal now face another wait for clarity over his fitness, with Arteta asking for patience until the further medical checks establish the scale of this latest setback.