Bukayo Saka's injury is the major concern for Arsenal after they fought back to earn a 2-2 draw away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. The England forward collapsed after a challenge with Alphonso Davies early on and was replaced by Eberechi Eze, who later opened the scoring.
Mikel Arteta confirmed after the match that Saka had suffered a quad injury. "It doesn’t look good at all but we have to wait and see," the Arsenal manager said. He added that the club's medical staff were concerned about the severity of the problem. Saka has recently dealt with other fitness issues and had not started the previous game.
Match turns after early setback
Despite the early disruption, Arsenal took the lead through Eze's first-time volley. Bayern Munich equalised when Davies finished from a Harry Kane assist. Kane then put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber handled the ball. That spot-kick was Kane's 16th goal in 22 appearances against Arsenal and made him only the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in 10 consecutive Champions League games.
Declan Rice secured a point for the Gunners with a late equaliser, preventing what would have been Arsenal's first defeat in 14 group stage matches. David Raya had earlier made a key save from a Davies header, while Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer denied Bruno Guimaraes after half-time. Bayern were without Michael Olise due to suspension and Joshua Kimmich following a family death, while Arsenal's bench featured 16-year-old Max Dowman as their only other wide option with Christos Tzolis injured.
Arteta described the contest at the Allianz Arena as an "incredible" match played at "the highest level". He praised his team's composure and spirit after losing Saka so early, stating they were the better side for the first 25 minutes. The draw leaves Arsenal's perfect start to the new League Phase intact. Harry Kane, named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist last month, now has 156 goals in 158 appearances since joining Bayern from Tottenham. Arsenal's next match is at home to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Read the full report at theguardian.com
In Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane demonstrated his Ballon d'Or credentials with a remarkable 80-yard goal-kick. Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told reporters that Kane's deep roaming, trusted by manager Vincent Kompany, was a "huge benefit to the team". Kane also provided an assist for Alphonso Davies and scored a penalty. Meanwhile, Millwall, who are 12th in the Championship with 15 points, have scored 18 goals this season.
Bayern Munich's preparations for their Bundesliga trip to Freiburg have been disrupted after manager Vincent Kompany was hospitalised. The club confirmed Kompany collapsed during a reserve team training session on Friday and is undergoing a thorough examination. Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, said, “Vincent Kompany’s health is our top priority.” The Belgian had been nursing a virus but was on the bench for Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal. Meanwhile, Millwall, 12th in the Championship with 15 points, face Portsmouth next.
Arsenal fear Bukayo Saka could be out for a minimum of six weeks with his quadriceps injury, the club confirmed on Friday. Head coach Mikel Arteta said, "We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists." The 25-year-old will undergo another MRI scan to assess the issue, with club medics estimating a prolonged absence. This compounds a selection issue for Arsenal, who sit 12th in the Championship with 15 points from 11 games and a goal difference of zero. Their last result was a 2-2 draw with Lincoln, where Kyrell Lisbie and Jake Cooper scored.
