Micah Richards makes bold Arsenal prediction after Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard injuries

Micah Richards is confident Arsenal have the squad to cope in light of the injuries sustained by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

The enthusiasm that accompanied Saturday’s 5-0 win over Leeds was tempered slightly by the sight of two key players limping off either side of half time.

Skipper Odegaard is reported to have sustained a shoulder injury, while Saka appeared to confirm he had strained his hamstring as he made his way off the pitch.

‘That’s the negatives of the day,’ said Mikel Arteta, reflecting on the double setback in his post match press conference.

‘Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We don’t know, we’ll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better.

‘And Bukayo, while he was carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring. Let’s see, I think it’s the other one, it’s not the same one as the previous injury.

‘We’ve been two weeks and we’ve already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want.’

Saka’s injury is arguably the most concerning given how long he spent on the sidelines last season with a similar injury.

Arteta added: ‘I don’t know (how serious it is), he felt something while he was sprinting. That’s never a good sign. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow, speak to the doctors and understand better what he’s done.

‘But he’s had his injuries before, he knows exactly the feeling of that, so let’s wait.’

Having spent so heavily in the summer, however, Arsenal now look far better equipped to deal with two key absences, three if you include Havertz.

Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, whose arrival was confirmed ahead of kick-off against Leeds United, and Viktory Gyokeres all represent different options, while the likes of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and even 15-year-old Max Dowman could provide alternative solutions.

‘It will take the gloss off a really good day for them. Richards said on Match of the Day. ‘They were really impressive in terms of getting the goals, the confidence and the belief it will give them but that’ll put a dampener on the day.

‘But at least now they’ve got the squad to cope with it. In previous seasons they haven’t had that but I think they have that now.’

Arsenal face an acid test of their credentials when they travel to Anfield to face champions Liverpool next Sunday but will travel toMerseyside in confident mood given the resounding nature of their victory against Leeds.

‘It’s exactly how we wanted to start the first game, we won in a really convincing way,’ said Arteta. ‘You could sense something, especially in the atmosphere before the match. I think we have to be very proud of the way we played, the way we dominated the game, not conceding any shots almost, and the clean sheet. On top of that, a lot of good moments.

‘Viktor scoring his first two goals for the club, I’m thrilled and delighted for Jurrien after that long time after injuring his ankle and the hours that he’s put in with all the physios and the medical department to score two goals at Emirates Stadium, very special.

‘Mosquera making his debut as well for the club, and then one of the highlights, without any question of a doubt, Max coming in at 15 and making his debut and winning a penalty. So very proud.’