Arsenal and England have been dealt a major blow as star winger Bukayo Saka is set to miss at least four weeks of action due to a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old England international picked up the injury during Arsenal’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday. Saka had just scored the second goal of the game before limping off in the second half. He was replaced by Leandro Trossard, sparking immediate concern from fans and coaches.
Initial fears suggested the injury could be long-term, but medical reports have now confirmed that while the hamstring strain is not as serious as expected, Saka will still be sidelined for a month. This will see him miss several important matches for both club and country.
According to *BBC Sport*, Saka will not return to full fitness until after the upcoming international break. This means he is officially ruled out of Arsenal’s highly anticipated Premier League clash away at Liverpool, as well as a home match against Nottingham Forest and the Gunners’ opening UEFA Champions League fixture of the season.
For England, it’s also a setback. Saka will not be available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia scheduled for next month. His absence leaves a gap in Gareth Southgate’s squad, especially as the Three Lions rely heavily on his creativity and consistency on the right wing.
This latest injury continues a worrying trend for Saka, who has faced multiple fitness concerns over the past year. His heavy workload at club and international level has led to repeated calls for Arsenal to manage his game time more carefully. The young winger has played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s push for silverware in recent seasons and is often among the most-used players in the squad.
Saka’s injury comes at a crucial point in Arsenal’s campaign. The North London side is chasing the Premier League title and is also expected to make a deep run in Europe. Manager Mikel Arteta now faces the task of reshuffling his attacking options in the absence of one of his key players.
Belgian forward Leandro Trossard is likely to step in as a direct replacement on the right wing, while Arteta may also consider deploying Gabriel Martinelli or Reiss Nelson in wider roles. Arsenal fans will hope the team’s depth will be enough to maintain momentum without their talisman.
So far this season, Saka has been one of Arsenal’s most important players. Known for his pace, quick feet, and eye for goal, he has consistently delivered in big games. His goal against Leeds at the weekend brought his tally to five goals and four assists in the current campaign before the injury struck.
England manager Gareth Southgate will also have to rethink his plans ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. Saka has become a regular starter for the national team and has often been used in crucial matches. His absence may open the door for players like Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, or Eberechi Eze to feature more prominently in the qualifiers.
Southgate has previously expressed concern about young players facing burnout due to back-to-back domestic and international schedules. Saka’s situation may reinforce the need to rotate players more often to prevent long-term injuries.
For now, both Arsenal and England will focus on Saka’s recovery and hope he returns fully fit for the rest of the season. The player himself has not made any public comment since the injury, but club officials say he is responding well to treatment and is optimistic about returning stronger.
Fans across the globe have taken to social media to wish him a speedy recovery, highlighting his growing status as one of the most beloved young talents in football today.
As the Premier League and international calendars heat up, Saka’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll the modern game can have on players, especially young stars carrying high expectations. Arsenal will hope the setback is only temporary, while England will look to manage his absence without losing focus on qualification.
