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Why Is Bukayo Saka Not Playing Tonight?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Farah Ben Gamra | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 7:30 AM ET

Arsenal are at home to Hull City at the Emirates on Saturday, November 7, looking to tighten their grip on top spot in the Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. GMT and 9:00 a.m. ET in the USA.

Mikel Arteta’s team go into Matchday 10 flying. They’re first on 24 points and have won their last four league games, the latest a 1-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool last weekend. They also beat Slavia Prague 2-1 in Europe on Wednesday, and a win here would stretch their lead over Manchester City before the international break.

Hull, on the other hand, badly need a win. Sergej Jakirovic’s team sit 11th on 11 points and haven’t won in seven league games. Their last outing was a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town, and now they have to go to the league leaders.

History isn’t on their side either. Arsenal have lost just once in 18 meetings with Hull since 2008, and the Tigers haven’t won at the Emirates since then.

⏪ Last time out against Hull…

Alexis’ double helped us to all three points in N5 ✊

@BitPanda_Global pic.twitter.com/zLX94j3gYG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 7, 2026

Arsenal vs. Hull City: Confirmed Team News

Arsenal team news

Bukayo Saka is still Arsenal’s big absentee. He’s out with a thigh injury picked up last month and isn’t expected back until early December. Young forward Max Dowman is also missing through suspension.

There was a brief scare over Ezri Konsa, who came off during Wednesday’s Champions League win over Slavia Prague. Mikel Arteta says it was just a precaution, that Konsa is feeling much better, and he should be fine to face Hull.

William Saliba is back in the picture too, after returning to the matchday squad in Prague following a back problem. That gives Arteta a decision at centre-back alongside Gabriel, though it’s unclear whether Saliba is ready to start, and Konsa is in the mix as well.

Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimarães, both left out of the XI in Prague, should come back in. Noni Madueke is likely to keep the right-wing spot with Saka out, and Kai Havertz should lead the line.

Is Bukayo Saka Playing Today?

No, Bukayo Saka will not play for Arsenal against Hull City today, as he continues to recover from a quadriceps injury. The England international sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich last month and remains sidelined.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Saka would be out for several more weeks, with his return to training expected after the international break. Noni Madueke is expected to continue on the right wing in his absence.

Hull City team news

Hull City have several injury concerns ahead of their trip to the Emirates.

Eliot Matazo, Matt Targett, Darko Gyabi and Charlie Hughes are among the players expected to miss out through injury. Lucas Gourna-Douath is also a doubt with a calf problem, while Hidemasa Morita has a groin issue.

The Tigers will definitely be without Matt Crooks, who is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards in the Premier League.