Bukayo Saka will miss “a few weeks” but will not require surgery on the left hamstring injury he sustained in Arsenal’s win over Leeds on Saturday.
The England winger was taken off during the second half of the 5-0 demolition of Daniel Farke’s side and there had been fears he could be facing a repeat of the three-and-a-half-month absence he endured last season.
But boss Mikel Arteta confirmed this lunchtime that Saka will not need to go under the knife and is likely to be back in September or October.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, the Gunners boss said: “Bukayo is doing better, but he will be out for a few weeks. No surgery.
“It’s not as bad as the previous one. [He was] very unfortunate. It was an action that required full power from him, had to change direction and he felt something.”
Arsenal skipper Odegaard may also miss out against Liverpool
Saka was not the only Arsenal midfielder to suffer an injury against Leeds with captain Martin Odegaard sustaining a shoulder problem.
“He hasn’t trained yet and, if he does, it will be tomorrow. He is doing everything he can to make himself available,” said Arteta, who also confirmed Christian Norgaard, Ben White and Leandro Trossard are doubtful for the trip to Merseyside.
The absences could expedite Eberechi Eze’s introduction following his move from Crystal Palace.
Arteta has been pleased with the way Eze has settled back at Arsenal after being released by the club aged 13.
“Very special energy, special aura around him and really willing,” said the Spaniard. “I heard a lot about him. He’s gathered a lot of information on that pitch.
“Yes, very impressed with him.”
Asked if the England midfielder could start at Anfield, Arteta was not giving much away, adding with a smile: “We have options in that position, so let’s see and I’m not going to give you any clues obviously.”
