During Thursday’s UEFA Nations League play, England were surprised by Greece in a 2-1 defeat at Wembley, but it was a match that could have much bigger consequences if Bukayo Saka was withdrawn from the match in the 52nd minute due to injury . It looked like a possible hamstring injury for the Arsenal star, who has been in good form this season with two goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
“He is being examined. He felt something in his leg,” England interim manager Lee Carsley said after the match.
Carsley will need a response from the team in the next game against Finland, but Saka’s concerns are far-reaching. He is a crucial player in the Three Lions set-up, which is already without Harry Kane, but it is an injury that could have major consequences in the Premier League title race.
During Greece’s opening goal in the 49th minute, Saka felt uncomfortable before eventually having to be sent off. As he withdrew, Saka could be seen clutching his hamstring as he limped off the field.
Greece were powered by a brace from Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis, but it was his injury-time goal in the 94th minute of play that secured the result. Not only is it a landmark victory for Greece, but it is also the first time they have beaten England. It is also the first time the Three Lions have lost three times in a calendar year at Wembley since 1981, during what has become a difficult transition after Gareth Southgate.
After the international break ends, Arsenal are thrown into an away match against Bournemouth before a top-flight clash with Liverpool. Arsenal have managed to pick up important wins late on thanks to Saka’s creativity, but if they have to do without him and Martin Odegaard for an extended period of time, their depth could be tested to the limit. Odegaard’s ankle injury was sustained during the September international break.