Red alert has been sounded for English Premier League (EPL) defending champion Arsenal.

Star forward Bukayo Saka, 25, is expected to miss at least six weeks due to a thigh injury.

Britain's BBC reported on the 24th (local time) that Saka, who injured his quadriceps during the midweek match against Bayern Munich (Germany), is projected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.

Saka collapsed and was substituted just 10 minutes into the first half of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) away match against Munich (ending in a 2-2 draw) held in Munich, Germany, on the 22nd, clutching his thigh.

Based on initial examination results, Arsenal's medical staff estimates Saka's absence period to be at least six weeks.

Although the injury site was examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is known that an accurate diagnosis is currently difficult due to fluid accumulation around the muscle.

The club plans to conduct another MRI scan.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated, "We need further tests and specialist opinions," adding, "If the player is struggling to walk without pain and has restricted movement, that is not a good sign."

If he is sidelined for over six weeks in reality, Saka will miss major Arsenal matches as well as England national team's UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

Saka will first miss the EPL home match against Everton on the 24th.

Second-placed Arsenal in the league (18 points) faces the critical task of narrowing the 3-point gap with league leaders Manchester City.

Saka has suffered from frequent injuries over the past year.

He underwent surgery for a hamstring injury sustained in December 2024, missing 101 days of the 2024-2025 season, and last season missed 7 matches due to an Achilles tendon injury in March, continuing a series of hip and hamstring injuries.

Despite this, he made 49 appearances last season, helping Arsenal achieve its first Premier League title in 22 years.

This season, he has recorded 4 goals in 11 matches.

Having fallen to injury once again, questions surrounding Saka's durability have grown larger, and his standing within the team could potentially diminish.

Manager Arteta also acknowledged that Saka's physical condition and availability have "clearly changed over the past year or so."

(Photo: Getty Images)