Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is set to spend up to four weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Gunners’ 5-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday.
The 23-year-old will miss the upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool, as well as England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Saka netted in the first-half stoppage time but was forced off early in the second half after pulling up with the injury.
He was not the only casualty of the match, with captain Martin Ødegaard also suffering a shoulder problem in the first half.
The Norwegian faces a race against time to be fit for the trip to Anfield on August 31.
Despite the setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to victory. Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyökeres both struck twice, while 15-year-old Max Dowman was handed his senior debut after impressing in pre-season.
Ahead of kick-off, the Emirates crowd welcomed new signing Eberechi Eze, who joined from Crystal Palace.
The England international could be thrust straight into the starting XI with Saka and Ødegaard sidelined, though both are not expected to be out long term.
Saka’s absence comes as a blow for England boss Thomas Tuchel, who is aiming to maintain a perfect start to World Cup qualifying.
The Three Lions host Andorra at Wembley on September 6 before travelling to Serbia on September 9.
Tuchel’s side have made a mixed start under his leadership, beating Andorra narrowly in Barcelona and suffering a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June.
Arsenal’s latest injury concerns follow a knee problem sustained by Kai Havertz earlier this month.
Speaking after the win over Leeds, Arteta admitted frustration at the string of setbacks so early in the campaign.
“That’s the negatives of the day,” Arteta said on Saturday.
“Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We don’t know, we’ll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better.
“And Bukayo, while he was carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring.
“Let’s see, I think it’s the other one, it’s not the same one as the previous injury.
“We’ve been two weeks and we’ve already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want.”
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