Arsenal Hit by Saka Stoppage: Weeks Out as Madueke Steers the Ship
3 February 2026
Impact on Arsenal's title bid
Arsenal were dealt a heavy blow to their Premier League title hopes as medical tests confirmed the length of Bukayo Saka's absence. The English winger, 24, suffered a thigh issue during warm-ups ahead of the 24th-round clash with Leeds United on Saturday.
Madueke steps up and the wider picture
Saka was withdrawn from the starting XI, with Noni Madueke coming on to help Arsenal to a 4-0 win, impressing in the attacker role. BBC later reported the injury will sideline him for roughly three to four weeks, ruling him out of a string of important fixtures including the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, upcoming league games versus Sunderland and Brentford, and possibly the FA Cup tie with Wigan.
His absence represents a significant test at a crucial stage of the season, but the bench has shown capability to cover. Madueke's displays have given the coaching staff some faith in navigating the busy period ahead.
Saka has a history of muscular injuries in the thigh region, having missed long spells in previous seasons, including a major injury at the end of 2024 that kept him out for more than three months.
We should keep an eye on Arsenal's cup ties, especially the Carabao Cup match vs Chelsea, which could shape the pace of Arsenal's season.
Note: With Saka sidelined, Arsenal will lean on the bench and the squad to push through a demanding run of fixtures, because football is a team game and excuses are for anyone who forgot to take their vitamin C in the morning.
