Bukayo Saka
ARSEngland
Left
Sep 5, 2001
24
5'10"
159 lb
RW
AM
One-v-One Creator
ArsenalOut for major clash
Saka (Achilles) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Bukayo is out, that's for sure. He's just starting to do some stuff, so let's see that progression, how quickly we can go through it, and then wait, but at the moment it's not about that."
Analysis: Saka is not going to be with his club as they face City on Sunday, out for a massive match that could decide if they win the league. This will mark a fifth straight game missed, as he is still working through his rehabilitation. The club is likely making sure he comes back fully fit with the winger having a World Cup campaign with England ahead, although they need to have their star player back as they try to close out on the two titles they have a chance at, now with a major hole to face City.
Missing from team sheet
Saka (achilles) is out for Wednesday's match against Sporting.
Analysis: Saka is one of the numerous key players missing for Arsenal Wednesday, hoping it is still enough to keep their lead in the tie. Unfortunately for Saka, this puts him in a tough spot, as he will need to use the next few days to recover for the massive match against City. He is replaced by Noni Madueke Wednesday, who will likely continue in that role until Saka is fit again.
Uncertain with Achilles issue
Saka is doubtful for Wednesday's match against Sporting due to an Achilles injury that has affected him in the past few games, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Maybe [Saka or Timber] one of them, let's see. It was something that he was carrying for a while. It was something that [Saka] was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue. No [there has not been any setback]. It is his progression, but hopefully it's going to be a matter of days and not weeks. But he has to see when he's loading more, how he responds to that kind of progression."
Analysis: Saka looks to be a major doubt for the return leg of their quarterfinal against Sporting, as the attacker is still dealing with his injury. With the club leading the tie and still having league and UCL title prospects, it is clear they do not want to risk him too early, especially when he is expected to be a star for England at the World Cup this summer. Most signs lean to him missing another match, potentially earning a bench spot, but unlikely to see anytime unless the club is in dire need of him. More importantly, they will need him fit for their massive tilt with City over the weekend, as this is a match that could decide the Premier League Title.
Still in doubt for second leg
Saka (undisclosed) was not present at Arsenal's open training session Tuesday, leaving his availability for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting CP uncertain, according to James Benge of CBS Sports Football.
Analysis: Saka has now missed three consecutive fixtures across all competitions with an undisclosed issue, and his continued absence from training is a significant concern for Arsenal heading into the most decisive European night of their season. The English winger is the Gunners' most dangerous attacking weapon and losing him for the second leg would be a major blow for coach Mikel Arteta's side. Noni Madueke is expected to see a larger role in his continued absence, with the club hoping to have clarity on Saka's status before Wednesday's kickoff.
Out to face Bournemouth
Saka (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Saka has been unable to recover from the undisclosed issue that had already kept him out of two matches, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming the situation had changed in the days leading up to the fixture. The attacker was absent from training Thursday, and Arsenal will have to cope without their top playmaker once again as they look to close in on the league title. His availability for the coming fixtures will be closely monitored, with the club unwilling to risk further injury at such a crucial stage of the season.
Unlikely for Saturday
Saka (undisclosed) is doubtful for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "There have been changes since yesterday, yes."
Analysis: Saka was not in training Thursday and appears likely to continue his absence, as the attacker is doubtful for Saturday. He has already missed two games, so this is a rough loss for the club, needing to do without their top playmaker in the attack. If he does somehow find the team sheet, the club is likely to be cautious, not wanting to risk further injury to end the season as they try to close in on their league title.
Out another game
Saka (undisclosed) has not traveled and is out for Tuesday's match against Sporting, with coach Mikel Arteta stating "No, they're having trouble, they're not ready yet. Let's see, hopefully they're going to be ready for the weekend, if everything goes well".
Analysis: Saka missed out on an FA Cup match over the weekend and will remain out for UCL play, not a part of the traveling squad for Lisbon. This is a major loss for the club as they will have to do without their star forward, leaving the right side of the field a bit weaker than usual, as Jurrien Timber (undisclosed) is also out. Noni Madueke is a possible option to take his spot on the right wing, the only other attacker to see time on the right this campaign.
Out against Southampton
Saka (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Analysis: Saka is unavailable for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton after returning early from international duty for assessment. The attacker is being preserved as a precaution, with the staff prioritizing his fitness for upcoming league and Champions League fixtures, with Max Dowman starting on the right wing in his absence.
Set for medical assessment
Saka has departed the England national team camp for medical assessment, according to his national team.
Analysis: Saka is back in London with Arsenal after he left the Three Lions camp, dealing with an injury that needs assessment. The good news it this is likely more of a cautionary absence as he prepares to play for Arsenal again, not risking himself. With the attacker already likely to be a starter with the England squad, there is no reason for him to further risk his health as Arsenal chase a league title.
Offensive engine
Saka generated five shots (four on goal), seven crosses (three accurate) and seven corners in Tuesday's 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen.
Analysis: Even though Saka didn't score or assist in this game, he was the clear focal point of Arsenal's offensive attack and racked up a massive stat line. If he keeps this up in Sunday's EFL Cup final against a Manchester City team which has run into some inconsistent play of late, he's likely to log a goal or assist if not both.
Finds another goal
Saka scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Brighton.
Analysis: Saka now has two goals in his last four EPL games after struggling for much of the middle of the campaign in that department. He's likely going to be on the bench for the FA Cup game, which means his next action probably comes in UCL play against Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen did give up 14 goals in eight UCL group phase games.
Appears to be fit
Saka (ankle) appears to be an option again after the club claimed no new injuries from last week's North London Derby.
Analysis: Saka looks to be fit once again after a knock made him leave the field late in the North London Derby, with no new injuries reported after the match. The attacker will likely return to a starting role immediately, starting in 19 of his 24 appearances while recording five goals and three assists.
Injured in injury time
Saka was forced off the field in the 91st minute due to an apparent ankle injury.
Analysis: Saka would need to leave the field Sunday late into the contest, as he would be rolled up on in a tackle, leaving his ankle in pain. He would eventually work to his feet and get off the field, walking gingerly. It appears the attacker will likely need some testing, but is only dealing with a minor injury, with Noni Madueke taking his spot after leaving the field.
Signs five-year deal
Saka has signed a new five-year deal with Arsenal, according to his club.
Analysis: Saka is linking himself to the Gunners for a few more seasons, appearing to be ready to be a member of Arsenal for a long portion of his career after a five-year deal was signed. The English winger has had a great start to his career with the club, notching 78 goals in close to 300 appearances with the club. With five goals and three assists in 23 appearances (18 starts) this season, he continues to be the lead of their attack, a playmaker that should be near the top of the leagues best players as long he remains with the club.
Expected to be fine
Saka limped off Wednesday against Wolves, but there was no mention of injury by either himself or manager Mikel Arteta after the match. He scored one goal from one shot to go with one chance created in 73 minutes.
Analysis: It appears to have been nothing major for Saka, which isn't too surprising. He's only a week returned from his last muscular injury and going 90 minutes wasn't a likelihood after he started and went 45 in the FA Cup a few days prior. With Martin Odegaard still a doubt, Saka could again start centrally in Sunday's North London derby.
Scores, limps off Wednesday
Saka scored one goal but was unable to continue playing in the 73rd minute while feeling an apparent discomfort in Wednesday's match against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Saka quickly found the net via close-range header in his return to the starting lineup after dealing with a muscular issue for a few weeks between January and February. However, he appeared to pick up a new injury and may need to be assessed to determine if he's dealing with a serious problem again. Both Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze are alternatives if Saka is sidelined due to the issue.
Logs 20 minutes against Brentford
Saka played 20 minutes as a substitute during Thursday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Saka made his return to the field following a two-week absence due to a muscle strain. He replaced Noni Madueke on the right wing for the final minutes but didn't find a clear opportunity to produce. Looking to reach a better shape ahead of upcoming fixtures, Saka should move into a starting spot soon, providing a huge boost to Arsenal's attack. Over the current EPL campaign, he has tallied four goals and three assists across 22 appearances (17 starts).
Available off bench
Saka (strain) is on the bench for Thursday's game against Brentford.
Analysis: Saka has been deemed healthy enough to make the bench, although it remains to be seen if he'll see time. Nonetheless, his return is a welcome boost for the Gunners for their upcoming challenges.
Late call Thursday
Saka (strain) is considered a late call for Thursday's clash against Brentford and will need to pass a fitness test to be cleared to feature, coach Mikel Arteta said in the press conference. "The rest we will see"
Analysis: Saka is considered a late call for Thursday's clash against Brentford and will need to pass a fitness test before being cleared to feature. If he is unable to play, Noni Madueke could continue to see increased minutes in his absence.
Trending towards fitness
Saka (strain) is nearing a return to action and could return soon, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "His hip is getting much better, so yes, hopefully very soon he will be with us. Very soon, very soon."
Analysis: Saka is still not with the team but is working on his recovery, with the attacker trending towards a return in the next week or two. This is massive news after he has only missed one game, possibly returning after only one or two games missed. He is a regular starter, so this does force change until he is fit again, with Noni Madueke as a likely replacement.
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