Arsenal dealt huge double injury blow as Bukayo Saka forced off in Leeds match

Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard soured Arsenal's first home Premier League game of the season as both left the field prematurely in their thumping 5-0 win over Leeds on Saturday evening.

Saka left the field gingerly after going down down early in the second half. He appeared to gesture to his left hamstring while being treated by medical staff before being replaced by Leandro Trossard.

Odegaard had been forced off towards the end of the first half with a shoulder injury. The Gunners captain tried to continue after landing awkwardly but would go on to be replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.

Saka left the game with Arsenal 3-0 up; the England star got himself on the scoresheet with a clinical strike in between goals from Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres. Timber notched his second of the game and Arsenal's fourth shortly after Saka's withdrawal.

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Andy Reid sympathised with Saka following his withdrawal. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Nottingham Forest man said: "It's a real shame for Saka because he looks like he has enjoyed the evening. He's got a goal, he's been running at players and looking dangerous, so it's a shame he's going off injured."

Prior to the game, Arsenal unveiled their latest signing, Ebere Eze, in front of the home supporters. The England star joins from Crystal Palace in a £67.5million deal and follows Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres through the door amid Arsenal's bid to bolster their attacking options this season.

Mikel Arteta expressed his excitement after beating Tottenham to a deal for the sought-after midfielder, saying: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal. He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game.

“What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.

“His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club. We all look forward to start working with Eberechi soon.”

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