Arsenal icon Ian Wright believes Noni Madueke should replace Bukayo Saka in the strating XI on the right wing position ahead of their upcoming game against Liverpool. Saka could be on the sidelines for a longer period after getting injured during the Arenal's 5-o win over Leeds United (August 23).
Arsenal won their second straight Premier League game this season in a dominant manner against Leeds. Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres each scoring twice while Bukayo Saka also registered himself on the scoresheet. Sadly, Saka had to be subbed off in the 53rd minute after he felt his left hamstring. Moreover, Martin Odegaard also picked up a shoulder injury in the 38th minute of the match.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta gave an update on both players after the match, telling reporters:
"Martin looks like a shoulder issue so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is. And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting and when he was wrestling with the defender he felt something in his hamstring, I think. It is the other side [to Saka's previous hamstring injury] but it is still not good. I don't know [how long they will be out for]."
Ian Wright provided his verdict on Saka's injury as well, telling Premier League productions:
"It was a relief to know [it was the left hamstring] because having an operation on a hamstring injury says that it’s very, very serious so it would have been quite disappointing and sad to hear if it was the same one. But I’m sure at this stage of the season, second game in, obviously he’s felt something and he’s done the right thing: he’s gone down, make sure you can catch it early and hope it’s not too serious. But hamstring, we’re talking four or maybe six weeks."
He also thinks that Madueke should start at right wing against Liverpool, despite the summer signing starting at left wing during Arsenal's victory over Leeds:
"This is why the signings [are important]. Madueke can play this side and this is why you bring in a Madueke. I’m not saying he’s going to play like Saka, but fill that gap. He plays on that side, that’s where he likes to play… fill that gap until Saka comes back because he’s got a chance now."
While Saka was lucky to avoid re-injuring his right hamstring, which kept him on the sidelines for three months last season, he is expected to miss clash against Liverpool (August 31). Noni Madueke will be aiming to effectively deputize, having joined from Chelsea for a reported transfer fee of £48.5 million on July 18.