Bayern Munich 2-2 Arsenal: How Long Bukayo Saka Could Be Out For After Injury

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Injury expert predicts how long Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for after Bayern Munich draw

An injury expert has now predicted how long Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka could be sidelined for after picking up a worrying injury during the Gunners' 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

Saka lasted just nine minutes before being forced off through injury in the Champions League tie, with replays showing him fall to the floor without contact, immediately after extending his leg to kick the ball.

The 25-year-old is one of his club's most important players, and is no stranger to time in the treatment room as a direct result. Last season, he picked up three injuries, which amounted to missing 15 games - albeit, 10 fewer than the campaign prior.

But due to the nature of his latest setback, there will be extra concern that the winger could be in for a long time out, with the likes of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze now expected to step up to the plate in his absence.

According to Physio Scout, an X profile dedicated to assessing the extent of footballer's injuries, it is not conclusive what Saka's recovery timeline looks like.

They have, however, given a good guideline before further scans are done, explaining (see the full X post below) :

> "Bukayo Saka had to come off after suffering a left quad/hip flexor injury in Arsenal's clash vs. Bayern. It occurred after a forceful kicking motion while attempting to switch play to the opposite side of the pitch. > > "Minor quad/hip flexor strains generally have favourable recovery timelines, although the forceful mechanism raises concerns about a potentially more significant tear. Potential Recovery Times: Grade 1: 1–3 weeks. Grade 2-3: Multi-week absence (6+ weeks)."

The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Gunners, with the busy winter period just around the corner as they try to make up ground on Premier League leaders Manchester City and continue their promising start to the Champions League, which has seen them win twice and draw once.

Mikel Arteta's side are still reliant on Saka when it comes to producing winning moments at the top end of the pitch. For as good, as versatile, and as resourceful as they've been in defence, they don't have the same riches in attack.

Last season, Saka missed just seven Premier League matches. During those, the North Londoners lost three times, while they only lost two other matches in the 31 other fixtures.

Viktor Gyokeres seems to be out of Arsenal's plans after failing to score so far this term, while Kai Havertz' selfless playing style requires more from his wingers than what the aforementioned Eze and Madueke can currently offer.

More and more, it looks like the Gunners have shot themselves in the foot by waiting for Julian Alvarez to become available over the summer. But he could still provide the answers they are searching for if a deal is struck in January - if not, Arsenal must look elsewhere rather than continuing to play the waiting game.

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