Arsenal face a significant injury setback as they prepare to host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, with Bukayo Saka ruled out. The England winger suffered a quad injury just ten minutes into Tuesday's 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, a blow manager Mikel Arteta described as severe.
"It doesn't look good at all," Arteta told reporters when asked about Saka's condition. The 25-year-old is Arsenal's leading scorer this season with three goals in seven league appearances, making his absence a major concern for a side sitting second in the table, three points behind Manchester City. Arteta confirmed the club will assess Saka in the coming days but he will not be available for the weekend.
Eberechi Eze, who scored the opening goal against Bayern, is expected to feature prominently in the reshuffled attack. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard are also options to fill the void on the right flank. The Gunners' form at the Emirates has been formidable, winning all three of their Premier League home games this season and extending that run to nine consecutive victories in all competitions. Their overall recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss from the last five matches, with the sole defeat being a 3-0 loss at Brighton last month.
Everton present a tricky challenge, having not lost on their travels this season with three draws from three away games. However, they have failed to score in their last two visits to the Emirates and have not beaten Arsenal in seven consecutive league meetings. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has two goals in his last three games, will lead the line for the visitors.
Arsenal's last starting lineup featured David Raya in goal, with a back four of Timber, Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Calafiori. The midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Bruno Guimaraes, and Declan Rice, who scored the late equaliser against Bayern, is likely to remain intact. Takehiro Tomiyasu is available again after suspension.
With 18 points from seven games, Arsenal's title defence remains on track, but handling this period without Saka is the immediate task. The Gunners' next fixture is this key home clash against Everton, kicking off at 3pm on Saturday the 24th of October. A victory would apply pressure on leaders Manchester City, who play later in the weekend.
