Saka Fit for Arsenal vs Tottenham Derby 2026

Key Points

• Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s opening goal with a close-range header from Declan Rice’s cross just four minutes into the 2-2 Premier League draw against Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday evening.
• Saka limped off in the second half after receiving treatment on the pitch for an unspecified issue, appearing to affect his knee, and was substituted by Leandro Trossard in the 73rd minute.
• Reports indicate positive news for Arsenal: Saka’s injury is not serious, he is expected to be fit for the North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday, and he conducted post-match interviews, suggesting no major concern.
• Leandro Trossard, introduced as Saka’s replacement, also left the field late in stoppage time following a collision with Wolves defender Santiago Bueno and received medical attention before being substituted by Riccardo Calafiori.
• Piero Hincapie scored Arsenal’s second goal, confirmed by VAR, giving the Gunners a 2-0 lead before Wolves mounted a comeback with goals from Hugo Bueno and Samuel Edozie (also listed as Tom Edozie in some reports).
• Arsenal dropped points in the title race after leading 2-0 but failing to hold the lead, with a mix-up between David Raya and Gabriel contributing to the late equalizer.
• In a post-match BBC interview, Saka stated: “Disappointed. Not much else to say. There was a big difference in how we played in the first half and the second half. We dropped our standards and we got punished for it. Time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control.”
• Mikel Arteta deployed Saka in a number 10 role during the match, expressing satisfaction with emerging partnerships beforehand.
• Standard Sport understands Saka is “fine” despite the substitution, providing reassurance ahead of the derby.​
• Other Arsenal injury concerns include Kai Havertz (muscular injury, set to miss at least four games including the derby) and potential doubts over Leandro Trossard.
• This was Saka’s first Premier League start since a defeat to Manchester United in January, ending a 15-16 game goalless streak with his early strike.
• The North London Derby at Tottenham is scheduled for this Sunday, with Arsenal aiming to regain momentum in the title race.

Arsenal Insider (North London News) February 19, 2026 – Arsenal have received encouraging updates on star winger Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s crucial North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, following his concerning limp off the pitch during Wednesday’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Wolves at Molineux.

What Happened During Arsenal’s Draw with Wolves?

Arsenal appeared poised for a routine victory after racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening exchanges at Molineux. As detailed in match reports, Bukayo Saka broke his 15-game Premier League goalless drought just four minutes in, heading home Declan Rice’s precise cross at close range to give the visitors an early advantage.

Piero Hincapie’s goal soon followed, validated after a VAR check, extending Arsenal’s dominance as they sought to bolster their position at the top of the Premier League table.

However, Wolves staged a remarkable comeback, with Hugo Bueno curling a stunning strike into the top corner before Samuel Edozie capitalised on a defensive lapse between David Raya and Gabriel to snatch a point in stoppage time.

The result represented a significant blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations, squandering a chance to extend their lead to seven points and highlighting defensive vulnerabilities in the second half.

Why Did Bukayo Saka Limp Off the Pitch?

The evening’s major concern centred on Bukayo Saka, the England international who was making his first Premier League start since Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United in January. Deployed in a central number 10 role by Mikel Arteta, Saka delivered an immediate impact with his goal but required on-pitch treatment midway through the second half.

As reported by journalists covering the match, Saka limped off clutching his knee area before being replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 73rd minute, sparking fears of another injury setback for the Gunners ahead of the derby. Footage showed him in visible discomfort, prompting immediate medical intervention.

This incident occurred shortly after Arsenal had seemed in control, turning the narrative from triumph to trepidation for supporters watching at Molineux and back in North London.​

What Is the Latest Update on Saka’s Injury?

Reassuringly for Arsenal fans, multiple sources have confirmed positive developments regarding Saka’s condition. As reported by The Mirror’s football news team, Saka’s issue is “not serious,” with The Evening Standard indicating he is not expected to miss any time and should be available for the North London Derby.​

Standard Sport understands that the winger is “fine” despite the substitution, a view bolstered by his participation in post-match media duties – an unusual step for players with significant injury doubts.

Sports Mole’s injury roundup similarly notes that while the issue was unspecified, Saka was withdrawn as a precaution, with no long-term alarm bells ringing ahead of the Tottenham clash.​

Is Bukayo Saka Fit for the North London Derby?

All indications point to Saka being available for Sunday’s high-stakes derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His ability to conduct interviews post-match, combined with club insiders’ optimism, suggests the knee problem was minor.

As AFTV reports, although Saka needed treatment against Wolves, The Standard’s coverage aligns with expectations of full recovery in time for the fixture. Mikel Arteta’s pre-match comments had already highlighted Saka’s versatility, and his retention for media aligns with fitness.

Arsenal’s medical team will conduct final assessments, but the consensus from reliable outlets is that Saka represents “good news” rather than a crisis before facing their fiercest rivals.

What Did Bukayo Saka Say After the Wolves Match?

In his BBC post-match interview, Saka was candid about Arsenal’s performance dip. He remarked:

“Disappointed. Not much else to say. There was a big difference in how we played in the first half and the second half. We dropped our standards and we got punished for it. Time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control.”

This statement underscores Saka’s leadership qualities at 24, redirecting focus to internal improvements amid the injury speculation. His words reflect the frustration of dropping points from a commanding position.​

How Does Leandro Trossard’s Injury Affect Arsenal?

Compounding concerns, substitute Leandro Trossard lasted mere minutes before exiting in stoppage time after clashing with Santiago Bueno.

The Belgian received lengthy treatment and was replaced by Riccardo Calafiori, who unluckily deflected the ball into the net for Wolves’ leveller.

Unlike Saka, Trossard’s status remains uncertain, with potential doubts for the derby. Mirror reports highlight this as a fresh worry, contrasting the optimism around Saka.​

What Are Arsenal’s Other Injury Concerns Before Tottenham?

Arsenal’s squad depth is under scrutiny. Kai Havertz is sidelined with a muscular injury, expected to miss at least four matches including the derby, per Sky Sports.​

Historical context from earlier in the season notes Saka’s resilience post other niggles, but Trossard’s knock adds to Mikel Arteta’s selection headaches. Sports Mole lists ongoing monitoring for these issues.

What Did Mikel Arteta Say About Saka and the Match?

While specific post-Wolves quotes on Saka’s injury are limited, Arteta praised the player’s role pre-match, noting:

“I think he does [like it] and everything that brings a challenge to him. He needs to prove something,”

regarding the number 10 position.​

Football London covered Arteta’s press conference, where he addressed the draw and Saka’s contributions without raising alarm over the substitution.​

Why Is This Good News for Arsenal’s Title Bid?

With Saka potentially available, Arsenal retain their key attacking threat for a derby that could define their season. His goal against Wolves reaffirmed his importance, ending a barren run and hinting at contract security signals.

The ‘good news’ narrative, as per Arsenal Insider and others, alleviates fears of a repeat injury crisis, allowing focus on tactical preparations against Tottenham.