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Arsenal fans fear Bukayo Saka's continued absence could spell trouble in their clash against Shakhtar Donetsk tonight (October 22). The English winger is sidelined with a leg injury; his importance was evidenced on Saturday (October 19).
The Gunners lost 2-0 to Bournemouth, their first defeat across competitions this season. It was a massive setback for Mikel Arteta and his men, and he'll need them to bounce back against the Ukrainian outfit in the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal started their European campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta and a 2-0 home win against PSG. They sit on four points and are in 14th place in the newly formatted Champions League table.
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Saka has been the north Londoners' top scorer in the last two Champions League campaigns, and he isn't the only high-profile absentee tonight. Captain Martin Odegaard is still on the injury list. This is a concerning time for Arteta, whose players are facing disciplinary and injury issues.
The Spaniard has made two changes to the team that lost to Bournemouth. David Raya is in goal, with Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Riccardo Calafiori in defense.
Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz are in midfield. Raheem Sterling makes way for Gabriel Martinelli, who partners Leandro Trossard and captain for the night Gabriel Jesus in attack.
Arsenal fans on social media were dejected to see Saka still sidelined. One fan wrote:
"No Saka, seems like already lost."
Another fan looked ahead to the Liverpool game this weekend and is pained amid absentees:
"Likely going into the Liverpool game without any of Saliba, Timber, Ødegaard and Saka. 4 of our best and most important players, gone. Pain."
More fans on X were disappointed over Saka's absence and gave their thoughts:
"I'm getting closer" - Martin Odegaard gives an update on his recovery ahead of Arsenal's clash
Odegaard has missed Arsenal's last nine games across competitions, including the start of their Champions League campaign. The Norweigan playmaker sustained an ankle sprain during the September international break.
The Gunners had fared well without their skipper until last weekend when they suffered their first defeat of the season. Saliba's red card was costly as Arteta's men lost 2-0 to Bournemouth.
Arteta will be eager for Odegaard to get back in action soon. Premier League leaders Liverpool visit the Emirates on Sunday (October 27), which could be a must-win game.
Odegaard spoke positively about his recovery and suggested he's closing in on a return. He said (via the club's official website):
"I’ve been working very hard on my recovery in the past few weeks. And missing out on big Champions League nights like this just makes me more determined and motivated to get back as soon as possible. I’m feeling better and better each day, but when it’s an ankle injury you have ups and downs as well. I feel like I'm getting closer."
Odegaard has been a mainstay in Arsenal's XI since arriving three years ago from Real Madrid. The Emirates faithful miss seeing his playmaking abilities on display on Champions League nights but might not have to wait much longer.
