In UEFA Nations League play on Thursday, England were stunned by Greece in a 2-1 loss at Wembley but it was a game that could have much larger implications with Bukayo Saka being withdrawn from the match in the 52nd minute due to injury. It seemed like a potential hamstring injury for the Arsenal star who has been on good form this season with two goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
“He’s being assessed. He felt something in his leg,” England interim manager Lee Carsley said after the match.
Carsley will need a response from the side in their next match away to Finland but the Saka worry is far-reaching. He’s a critical player to the Three Lions setup who are already without Harry Kane but it’s an injury that could have major implications in the Premier League title race.
During Greece’s opening goal in the 49th minute, Saka was in discomfort before eventually needing to be taken out. When withdrawn, Saka could be seen holding his hamstring as he hobbled off the pitch.
Greece were powered by a brace from Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis but it was his stoppage-time goal in the 94th minute of play that secured the result. Not only is it a landmark victory for Greece but it’s also the first time that they’ve defeated England. It’s also the first time that the Three Lions have lost at Wembley three times in a calendar year since 1981 during what has become a rocky transition post-Gareth Southgate.
After the international break comes to a close, Arsenal will be thrown into an away match against Bournemouth before a top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool. Arsenal have been able to pull out key victories late due to Saka’s creativity but if they have to do without him and Martin Odegaard for significant periods of time, depth could be tested beyond its limits. Odegaard’s ankle injury was picked up during the September international break.
