What could a Bukayo Saka injury mean for Arsenal?

Bukayo Saka was subbed off in the second half of England's 2-1 defeat at home to Greece on Thursday night after suffering what many are reporting to be a hamstring issue.

Despite initial reports being positive, the winger has since withdrawn from his national squad and returned to Arsenal for 'further assessment'.

The severity of Saka's injury is currently unknown but Arsenal fans will naturally fear the worst. The most optimistic are hoping the winger will be involved at Bournemouth on Saturday. With uncertainty surrounding the star man's fitness, what could his injury mean for the Gunners?

How Bukayo Saka's absence would be felt

Bukayo Saka has been by far Arsenal's best and most influential player this season, leading club and league rankings in several areas.

The winger leads both his side and the Premier League's assist rankings, having provided seven so far this campaign. He has also created the most big chances and chances in the league, having made 12 and 27 respectively.

Saka has also played his part in front of goal, having scored three in all competitions, placing him second in the Gunners' rankings, behind only Kai Havertz.

His performances this season have shown that Saka has not only been Arsenal's best player, but arguably the best in the league so far. His contribution to this side can not be understated and will certainly be missed if his injury puts him out of action.

The Gunners are already without their other main creator, Martin Odegaard, and to be without both him and Saka would have a devastating impact on their attack. Mikel Arteta will not have his best creator, at this time, available for selection and this will not only hinder Arsenal's performances but also Saka's hopes of breaking the Premier League assist record.

The record amount of assists recorded in a Premier League season currently stands at 20, set by Thierry Henry in the 2002/03 season and later equalled by Kevin De Bruyne 17 years later. Having provided seven assists in his first seven games, Saka has put himself on track to break this record but this dream could be halted if he is to spend time on the sidelines.

Who could provide cover?

Arsenal have found themselves without quality cover for Saka in recent seasons but will be thankful this is no longer the case. While the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are capable of playing on the right wing, their importance to other positions should put them out of the question for covering Saka. Instead, that task should fall upon Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri.

The summer loan signing of Sterling has finally presented Mikel Arteta with a good option to cover Saka. The ex-Man City man has had a decent start to his Arsenal career and should be able to take his team mate's place for now.

There is no doubt Sterling will be unable to offer the same output as Saka but will be a suitable replacement for the time being.

Premier League record-breaker Nwaneri is also a potential option to provide cover for Saka. Although primarily a midfielder, the youngster is capable of playing on the right wing. As a left-footed player, he may be even more suitable than Sterling as he would be better equipped to replicate Saka's habit of cutting inside to cross or shoot.

Using Nwaneri as Saka's replacement would certainly be a bold choice by Arteta but the youngster has shown he would be capable. Having been given more first team chances this season, he has impressed and displayed his ability well.

Regardless, neither option would match Saka's output or ability given the England international's pure brilliance but they would provide good cover for now.

What could Bukayo Saka's injury mean for Arsenal?

Most would argue that Bukayo Saka is irreplaceable in this Arsenal team and as a result, his absence through injury will have a big impact on the side's attack and deadliness in front of goal. This is only further reinforced by his immense contributions this season.

Other players can step up to cover him for the foreseeable future but no one will be able to match his ability forever.

Thankfully, it is not certain that Saka's injury will be serious and all Arsenal fans will be hoping that he will be fit upon the impending return to club football.

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