Football injury expert gives Bukayo Saka & Odegaard update & reveals when they could return

Saka added the fifth goal before being taken off in the second half due to what looked like a hamstring issue on his left side.

Earlier in the match, captain Martin Odegaard had already left the pitch after picking up a shoulder injury. Though he initially tried to play through the discomfort, he was substituted in the 38th minute for Ethan Nwaneri.

“Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed,” Arteta said after the match. “Bukayo, carrying the ball, felt something in his hamstring. I think it’s the other one, not the same as the previous injury.

“He felt something sprinting, that’s never a good sign. We have to speak to the doctors [on Sunday]. Let’s wait.”

Arsenal supporters are anxiously awaiting encouraging updates on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard following their injuries.

With a crucial Premier League showdown against reigning champions Liverpool looming next weekend, both players are currently considered unlikely to feature.

Fans on X wasted no time in seeking insight from renowned injury analyst Physio Scout. After analyzing the match footage, here’s a breakdown of the initial assessment and what it could mean for their recovery timeline.

“Martin Odegaard had to came off early in the first half for Arsenal in the clash vs. Leeds with a right shoulder injury. Direct shoulder contact with the ground, with arm next to his side, is indicative of an AC joint sprain/injury. Another possibility is a broken collarbone, but it is less likely here.

“If it’s confirmed that it’s a low-grade sprain, then a quick return can be facilitated. Usually it is a pain management issue, meaning in the worst case scenario, he’d miss a week or two.

“If it’s a grade 2/3, that’s a different story. But he would only miss 2-4 weeks. Scans to confirm.”

However, the expectation is that Saka is likely to be out of action for longer.

In a separate tweet, Physio Scout added: “Bukayo Saka was forced off in the first half with a left hamstring injury after a sprint and pass. He looked visibly frustrated, and the mechanism suggested more of a strain than simple tightness.

“Based on the incident, it’s more likely to be a grade 1 or 2 strain, which would put his time out between 2–6 weeks, pending scan results. Importantly, this isn’t the same hamstring that required surgery last year, which offers some reassurance.

“As always, the exact diagnosis and timeline after a hamstring injury can only be confirmed after scans. Please stay tuned for further updates.”