Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka limped off injured during England’s 2-1 Nations League loss to Greece, leaving Gunners fans anxious about his fitness ahead of key fixtures.
Saka, 23, started for the Three Lions in a match that saw interim manager Lee Carsley opt for an aggressive, attacking line-up. After an underwhelming first half, Greece stunned England by taking the lead just four minutes into the second half through Vangelis Pavlidis. To make matters worse for Saka, he was involved in a challenge during the build-up and subsequently picked up an injury, forcing him off the pitch shortly after. Chelsea’s Noni Madueke came on as his replacement, but the damage was done both on the scoreboard and to Saka’s leg.
The night went from bad to worse for the Arsenal winger, who was also booked just before halftime for a cynical foul on Greece’s Giorgos Masouras. Saka has been an ever-present figure for Arsenal this season, contributing two goals and seven assists in the Premier League, but his Wembley performance fell short of those standards, with his injury potentially adding to Arsenal’s growing list of concerns.
England, already struggling, were almost embarrassed further in the early stages of the match. A misjudgment from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford left his goal exposed, but Levi Colwill’s heroic clearance saved the team from going behind. Despite that, Greece eventually capitalized with Pavlidis’ opener. The visitors even thought they had doubled their lead when Masouras found the back of the net again, but it was ruled offside, much to England’s relief.
Ollie Watkins had the opportunity to level things for the hosts but squandered a golden chance just moments later. As time ticked on, Greece continued to put pressure on England with a series of corners, while Carsley’s side looked increasingly toothless without Saka’s flair on the field.
With two minutes left, Jude Bellingham managed to drag England level, offering a glimmer of hope. However, in dramatic fashion, Pavlidis struck again in the 94th minute, sealing Greece’s shock victory and handing England their first competitive defeat at Wembley in four years.
The defeat leaves England reeling, but Arsenal’s focus will now shift to Saka’s injury status ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping the damage isn’t severe, with the Gunners set to face Bournemouth, Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, and Liverpool—all pivotal games for Arsenal’s title hopes. With captain Martin Odegaard already sidelined for seven matches, Arteta could be facing a squad depth crisis as October’s packed schedule looms.
