Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is facing a significant spell on the sidelines after being ruled out for six to eight weeks with a thigh injury. The winger sustained the knock just ten minutes into the Champions League draw with Bayern Munich last week and was helped from the pitch by medical staff.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the severity of the setback, which comes as Arsenal sit second in the Premier League on 18 points after seven games, three points behind leaders Manchester City. Saka, who is the club's top scorer this season with three goals in seven appearances, will miss Saturday's home game against Everton and England's upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. His absence will extend into a key period that includes the away trip to Liverpool on Sunday 1 November, a match against the side currently fifth in the table.

Saka's latest problem occurred early in the 2-2 draw in Munich, a match in which Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice scored for Arsenal. An MRI scan later revealed fluid in the area, leading the club to accept he will be unavailable for several weeks. This is the 11th separate injury issue for Saka since September 2024.

Arteta addressed the physical demands on his players. "Well it's certainly been different in the last year or so and obviously the demands that we are putting to every player are immense," the manager said.

With summer signing Christos Tzolis also injured, Arteta must look to other options on the wing. Eberechi Eze, who scored in Munich, and Noni Madueke are likely candidates for more minutes. Teenager Max Dowman, who has had limited action this season, could also see an opportunity. Arsenal's recent form has been strong, with four wins and a draw in their last five league games, part of an unbeaten run of five matches. The team has scored 11 goals and conceded just five this season, but losing a player of Saka's quality is a major test for squad depth.

The team's next challenge is a visit to Anfield to face fifth-placed Liverpool. Saka is expected to return to action in mid-December. The squad will aim to maintain its recent momentum, which includes a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday 24 October and a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday 18 October.

More detail at Daily Mail Sport