Arsenal 5–0 Leeds: Arteta’s side cruise, but injuries to Ødegaard and Saka overshadow victory
Arsenal made it three wins from three with a commanding 5-0 triumph over Leeds at the Emirates on Saturday, though the evening ended on a sour note for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners faithful welcomed new signing Eberechi Eze before kick-off and were treated to a dominant display as Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season. But celebrations were dampened after both Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka limped off injured—just a week before the highly anticipated trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Injury concerns
Speaking after the match, Arteta admitted concern over the setbacks:
- “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed—we’ll know more after a scan,” he explained.
- “As for Bukayo, he pulled up with a hamstring issue. It feels different from his previous injury, but it’s still concerning. He knows the feeling, so we need clarity.”
With Kai Havertz already sidelined by a knee problem, the Spaniard stressed the challenges of coping with injuries in the intensity of the Premier League season.
Possible layoff periods
Arteta avoided giving a timeline, but injury analyst @physioscout suggested:
- Ødegaard could be out 1–2 weeks with a minor sprain, or up to a month if more severe.
- Saka’s absence is likely longer—2–4 weeks for a mild hamstring strain, but as much as 8–12 weeks if scans confirm a Grade 3 tear.
That means the England star will certainly miss next weekend’s clash with Liverpool, with Ødegaard also a major doubt.
Liverpool match implications
Liverpool are dealing with their own defensive headaches. Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out, while Conor Bradley has only just returned to training. Jürgen Klopp may be forced to improvise, with Dominik Szoboszlai or Joe Gomez possible solutions at right-back.
Despite Arsenal’s injury setbacks, Arteta’s side will arrive at Anfield in strong form—and still present a formidable challenge to the defending champions.
