Arteta admits Saka injury 'does not look good at all' after Arsenal draw with Bayern

Mikel Arteta has admitted he is seriously worried about Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal winger limped off with a quad injury just 10 minutes into a 2-2 Champions League draw at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. Arteta told reporters post-match that the injury “does not look good at all,” raising fears over Saka’s availability in the weeks ahead.

Saka appeared to hurt his quad while attempting a lofted pass and was immediately replaced. Arteta offered a cautious initial assessment pitchside: “A player that has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news. But we have to wait and see.” He was more direct in his subsequent press conference, confirming the location of the problem: “It does not look good at all. It’s his quad.”

The 25-year-old has a recent history of significant injury setbacks. He missed 10 games for club and country last season with hip and ankle problems, and in late 2024 underwent surgery on his hamstring. Arsenal will be anxious to avoid another spell on the operating table for one of their most important players.

Despite losing Saka so early, Arsenal produced a performance Arteta described as one of their highest levels. Eberechi Eze, introduced as the replacement, broke the deadlock shortly after coming on. Arsenal led before conceding twice either side of half-time, with Declan Rice rescuing a point with a late equaliser.

“We started the game incredibly well, we were so dominant,” Arteta said. “Then we had to adapt without Saka. In the second half the game was a bit even and they scored the goals and we had to react, which we did. We scored and we had the chance to win it too. That is the level.”

Rice echoed his manager’s pride in the display. “It’s what the manager has drilled into us; we aren’t just going to come here and sit,” the midfielder said. “At home, they are probably one of the best teams in Europe, so to come here tonight and give that account of ourselves was really good. We have to keep going.”

Arteta also deployed a man-marking strategy that saw Ezri Konsa frequently tracking Harry Kane into the middle third, a tactical wrinkle that helped Arsenal compete physically and defensively against the Bundesliga side.

The immediate concern, however, remains Saka. Arsenal face Everton in the Premier League before a Carabao Cup trip to Fleetwood Town, with a Champions League away fixture against Slavia Prague and a visit to Anfield to face Liverpool also on the horizon.