Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for several more weeks, dealing Arsenal another injury setback before Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Hull City.
Saka has not recovered from the quadriceps injury he suffered during Arsenal’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich last month. The England forward will therefore miss his country’s Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain this month as he continues his rehabilitation away from competitive football.
Speaking at his news conference on Friday, ahead of the visit to Hull City on Saturday, Arteta said Saka’s return would not happen immediately.
“We are talking about weeks,” said Arteta. “Let’s wait and see. After the international break, he will start returning to the pitch… but unfortunately he will be out for a period.”
The Arsenal manager said the club would not put undue pressure on its medical team to accelerate the player’s recovery. Arteta stressed that Saka’s complete rehabilitation remained the priority before he returned to matches.
The latest update extends an injury sequence affecting Arsenal at an important stage of the season. Saka’s absence also means he will not be involved in England’s two Nations League games against Croatia and Spain, allowing him to continue his treatment and rehabilitation programme without the demands of international competition.
Arteta also provided a more encouraging update on Ezri Konsa, who was forced to leave the pitch with knee pain during Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday.
The defender’s condition has improved, although Arsenal are waiting for a final assessment before deciding whether he can feature in the team’s upcoming fixtures.
“Konsa is feeling better,” Arteta said. “We are waiting for a final evaluation of his condition before deciding whether he will play in the next matches.”
Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Hull City is scheduled for 07 November 2026.
