Are Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard Ready for the Man City Clash?

Arsenal fans are hopeful as both Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard may return to the squad in time for the crucial match against Manchester City on Sunday. Mikel Arteta is set to assess both players after a final training session, with optimism surrounding their potential involvement.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since mid-August but may return this weekend.
• Martin Ødegaard suffered a shoulder injury but is also in contention for the match.
• Both players will be assessed following a final training session before the game.
• Injury timelines suggest a potential return for both players aligns with their recovery progress.
• Arsenal's performance may heavily depend on their availability against Manchester City.

Current Injury Status of Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has been missing from Arsenal's line-up since the second week of the Premier League season. The talented winger sustained a hamstring injury while playing against Leeds United in August, which raised concerns among fans and the coaching staff alike. Last season, Saka faced a significant hamstring tear that required surgery, causing him to miss three months of crucial matches.

Fortunately, recent scans revealed that his latest injury was not as severe as initially feared. Reports suggest that Saka could be facing a recovery period of approximately three to four weeks, which implies he may be ready to return just in time for the encounter against Manchester City. Stephen Smith, CEO of Kitman Labs, a company that focuses on injury welfare and performance analytics, has provided insights into Saka's condition.

Smith initially classified Saka's hamstring issue as either a grade 1 or a low-level grade 2 strain, which fits comfortably within the three-to-four-week recovery timeframe. He mentioned, “It keeps within that timeline for a grade 2 hamstring strain so that is probably about right. So it is likely they are targeting, or at least having a very good look to see, if he can have some involvement in the City game.”

Martin Ødegaard's Injury Update

In a parallel situation, Arsenal's captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off during the first half of the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. He sustained a shoulder injury following a collision with teammate Jurrien Timber and Morgan Gibbs-White. Ødegaard landed heavily on his shoulder, leading to immediate attention from Arsenal’s medical staff.

This incident marked the second time this season that Ødegaard had to exit a match due to a shoulder issue, having also been substituted early in the game against Leeds United. Following the match against Nottingham Forest, Arteta confirmed that Ødegaard had re-injured the same shoulder.

Ødegaard missed the subsequent Champions League fixture against Athletic Bilbao, but his potential return for the Manchester City match aligns with Stephen Smith's estimated recovery timeline. Smith noted, “Like with any ligament injury, he will either have a small amount of fibre disruption where it would be a grade 1. If there is a decent amount and there is lots of separation, it is grade 2…” He expressed confidence in Ødegaard's prognosis, suggesting a recovery period of approximately 10 to 14 days for a lower-grade injury.

Importance of Saka and Ødegaard for Arsenal

The return of both Saka and Ødegaard is crucial for Arsenal as they prepare to face Manchester City, one of their toughest rivals in the Premier League. Saka, with his pace and creativity on the wing, has established himself as a key player for the Gunners. His ability to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities is invaluable, especially against a team with the attacking prowess of City.

Ødegaard, as the captain, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the team's tactics and linking play. His vision and passing ability make him a central figure in Arsenal's attacking strategy. The absence of either player could hinder the team's performance significantly, particularly in high-stakes matches like this one.

What’s Next for Arsenal?

As the match against Manchester City approaches, Arsenal's management will closely monitor the fitness of both Saka and Ødegaard. The final training session will provide crucial insights into their readiness to participate. Arteta has not revealed much about their status, focusing instead on assessing their condition post-training.

Should both players be declared fit, Arsenal's fans can expect a more dynamic and competitive performance against City. However, if either player is unable to participate, Arsenal may need to adjust their tactics accordingly, relying on other squad members to step up in their absence.

Potential Tactical Adjustments

In the event that Saka or Ødegaard cannot play, Mikel Arteta will need to consider alternative strategies. Here are a few potential adjustments he might make:

• Formation Change: Transitioning to a more defensive formation to shore up the midfield and protect against City's attacking threats.
• Utilising Depth: Bringing in younger players or those with less experience to fill in the gaps, which could invigorate the squad with fresh energy.
• Repositioning Players: Moving existing players into different roles could provide a temporary solution, although it may disrupt established chemistry on the pitch.

Conclusion

The anticipation surrounding the potential return of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard reflects Arsenal's aspirations this season. Both players bring unique qualities that are essential for competing at the highest level, particularly against formidable opponents like Manchester City. As fans await updates from Arteta, the hope remains that their key players will be fit to contribute to what promises to be an exciting encounter.

As the weekend approaches, Arsenal supporters are left to ponder: How will the Gunners fare against Manchester City if both Saka and Ødegaard are in the line-up? Will their return ignite Arsenal's title challenge? Stay tuned for the latest updates. #Arsenal #Saka #Ødegaard

FAQs

When will Bukayo Saka return to play?

Bukayo Saka could potentially return to action against Manchester City, depending on the outcome of his final training assessment on Saturday.

What is Martin Ødegaard's injury status?

Martin Ødegaard is also a candidate to return this weekend, as his recovery timeline aligns with the match against Manchester City.

How significant are Saka and Ødegaard to Arsenal's performance?

Both players are crucial to Arsenal's attacking strategy; Saka provides pace and creativity, while Ødegaard offers leadership and tactical awareness.

What are the possible tactical changes if Saka or Ødegaard cannot play?

If either player is unavailable, Arteta may adjust the formation, utilise squad depth, or reposition players to maintain competitiveness against Manchester City.

How long are Saka and Ødegaard expected to be out if they cannot play?

If unable to play this weekend, both Saka and Ødegaard are expected to miss around one to two weeks, depending on the severity of their injuries.