Arsenal await Bukayo Saka’s scan after Bayern injury scare

Arsenal are waiting for the results of Bukayo Saka’s scan after he was injured in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich. The winger had to leave the pitch after only ten minutes, leaving the severity of the injury uncertain.

The England international stopped with a quadriceps problem and limped off, although he did not need crutches. Eberechi Eze, who replaced him, scored Arsenal’s opening goal in Munich and could be called upon on the wing. Arsenal are also without Christos Tzolis, who suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Greece. The club therefore head into Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton with fewer established options out wide.

Saka was due to have a scan on Thursday, with the results expected to establish whether he could face a longer spell out. While waiting, Mikel Arteta acknowledged that the initial signs were concerning, but said the extent of the injury would only become clear after the player had been assessed. “A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news,” the Arsenal manager said. He also summed up his concern: “It doesn’t look good at all but we have to wait and see.”

Arteta said the medical staff were concerned after Saka’s early departure. He also pointed to the intensity of the match, describing it as extraordinary, and noted that Saka had not started against Lille last Tuesday before starting against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The manager suggested that the demanding run of games could have a bearing, though there is no diagnosis yet.

Saka’s situation matters particularly to Arsenal because of his role in the attack and the demands of the schedule. His availability for what comes next will depend on the scan results. For now, Eze is an option on the wing after coming on and scoring against Bayern.