Mikel Arteta has admitted his concern over injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds.
The Gunners sealed their first victory of the season in convincing style at the Emirates but the win was marred by the duo’s withdrawals either side of half-time.
Saka missed a significant portion of last season out with a similar hamstring injury, derailing Arsenal’s title bid and, having made it 2-0 just before his injury, Arteta admitted he was worried the issue was “significant”.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta said: “Martin looks like a shoulder issue so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is.
“And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting and when he was wrestling with the defender he felt something in his hamstring I think.
“It is the other side [to his previous injury] but it is still not good.”
Arteta also told beIN Sports: “I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. But Bukayo, I took him off for something that looks significant.”
Arteta added: “I don’t know [how long they will be out injured]. We already lost Kai [Havertz] which is a big player for us and now Bukayo and Martin.
“That is why the squad has to be well-equipped. It is going to be a long season and we are going to need a lot of players in order to achieve what we want.”
Arteta: Eze phoned me about Arsenal move
Aside from the injuries, there was plenty to celebrate in the red side of North London on Saturday, with Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres both scoring twice alongside Saka, while new £75million signing Eberechi Eze was paraded in front of supporters before kick-off.
Eze opted to join the Gunners despite agreeing terms with rivals Tottenham, with the 27-year-old reportedly calling Arteta earlier in the week to try and make a move to the Emirates materialise.
Asked about that call with Eze, Arteta told beIN Sports: “That shows you how much he wanted to come. It is very difficult sometimes because you want to be very open and transparent with the players.
“They have to make decisions in their careers that are very, very important. I am delighted to have him. You can tell how much it means to him and his whole family. Welcome to our family and I’m sure we are going to have some great moments together.”
“Asked if Eze has the X-Factor to make the difference in the title race, the Gunners boss said: “Without a doubt. I think he has the capacity to create these magic moments. He can do it from different positions, different situations.
“He’s got that flair, he’s got that charisma as well about him that is very contagious. And they’re using it the right way. He can play different positions. We know he can play as an attacking midfielder, right or left. He doesn’t care. He plays shifted off the left as well. He’s very comfortable there as well.
“We’ll gather information again the moment he’s on that pitch and starts to link and feel connection with people. I’m sure we will find the right place for him.”
