Bukayo Saka injury update emerges as Arsenal handed Martin Odegaard boost

Bukayo Saka was forced off in Arsenal's win against Leeds United (Image: Alan Walter - Arsenal FC/Getty Images)

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost after early indications showed that injuries sustained by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are not as bad as first feared.

Mikel Arteta cut a concerned figure in a press conference on Saturday and thought Saka had suffered a "significant" hamstring problem during their 5-0 win against Leeds United .

Meanwhile, Odegaard also picked up an injury in the same game and left the pitch holding his left shoulder. Arteta said that he and Saka would have scans on Sunday.

However, The Times have reported that Saka and Odegaard's injuries are better than anticipated. It's unclear, at this stage, whether both are going to be fit to face Liverpool next weekend.

Speaking on Saka and Odegaard after his side's thumping success against Leeds, Arteta said: "I haven't spoken to the doctor yet but for Bukayo to come off, it’s significant. He felt something while he was sprinting.

"That's never a good sign. We'll have to wait tomorrow. But he's had these injuries before. He knows exactly the feeling of that. So let's wait. [For] Martin [it is] something in his shoulder. Two negatives of the day."

Should Saka and Odegaard not feature against Liverpool, Arsenal could be without SIX first-team players for the trip to Anfield, with Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Norgaard and Gabriel Jesus missing the win over Leeds.

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's new £64m front man, found the net twice on his home debut, while Jurrien Timber also struck a brace and Saka scored the other as the Gunners made it six points from six in the top flight.

Max Dowman, meanwhile, made his first-team debut for Arsenal aged only 15 years and 235 days old, becoming the second-youngest player in Premier League history behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri (15 years and 181 days).

"It's exactly how we wanted to start the first game, we won in a really convincing way," Arteta said on his side's performance. "You could sense something, especially in the atmosphere before the match.

"I think we have to be very proud of the way we played, the way we dominated the game, not conceding any shots almost, and the clean sheet. On top of that, a lot of good moments.

"Viktor scoring his first two goals for the club, I'm thrilled and delighted for Jurrien after that long time after injuring his ankle and the hours that he's put in with all the physios and the medical department to score two goals at Emirates Stadium, very special.

"[Cristhian] Mosquera making his debut as well for the club, and then one of the highlights, without any question of a doubt, Max coming in at 15 and making his debut and winning a penalty. So very proud."