Arsenal learn Bukayo Saka injury timeline ahead of trip to Liverpool

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka will miss Sunday's blockbuster Premier League clash against Liverpool after being ruled out for up to four weeks. The 23-year-old was forced off with a hamstring injury during Saturday's 5-0 victory over Leeds United, casting a shadow over what had been a statement day at the Emirates Stadium.

Saka had scored Arsenal's second goal, adding to Viktor Gyokeres' brace and Jurrien Timber's two goals. However, concern quickly grew when he went down clutching his hamstring early in the second half, grimacing in obvious pain. The injury rules him out of the trip to Anfield as well as England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia next month.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is also a doubt for the Liverpool match after suffering a shoulder injury in the same victory against Leeds. The Norway playmaker appeared in pain when replaced in the first half and reportedly left the Emirates Stadium with his shoulder in a sling. While he has not been officially ruled out for Sunday, Arsenal remain cautiously optimistic that neither Saka nor Ødegaard will face long-term layoffs.

There is particular relief regarding Saka, who missed three months last season due to a hamstring injury. Arsenal, however, have a deeper attacking pool this season, with summer signings Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze providing options. Mikel Arteta also has Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman to cover for the absences of Saka and Ødegaard.

Speaking after the Leeds match, Arteta expressed concern over Saka's condition. "Bukayo was running with the ball, and he felt something in his hamstring. It's the other one, not the same as last season. He felt something when sprinting; it's not a good sign. We have to wait to understand how long he will be out. I haven't spoken to the doctor yet, but for Bukayo to come off, it's significant," the Arsenal manager said.

According to BBC Sport, Saka is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, a more favourable outcome than initially feared. Having missed three months last season with his other hamstring, the sight of him limping off against Leeds naturally sparked anxiety among fans.

Saka will now miss the trip to Anfield and faces potential absences for challenging fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City after the September international break. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over Odegaard's availability, leaving Arteta to carefully manage his squad ahead of a demanding schedule.