England boss Lee Carsley provides update on Bukayo Saka after Arsenal star limps off with injury in 2-1 loss to Greece
England suffered their first defeat under Lee Carsley as Greece pulled off an unexpected 2-1 victory at Wembley on Thursday, October 10. The Three Lions were also dealt a major setback when Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was forced off in the second half, and Carsley has since provided an update on his condition.
Greece started the UEFA Nations League match on the front foot, creating several opportunities on the counter-attack. While England had their chances, the first half ended goalless. The visitors capitalized on England’s defensive lapses in the 49th minute, with Vangelis Pavlidis breaking the deadlock.
Just when it seemed Greece would hold on to their 1-0 lead, Jude Bellingham stepped up in the 87th minute to level the proceedings. However, the Greeks stood firm and eventually secured all three points, as Pavlidis again took advantage of England’s mishaps at the back, scoring the winner in stoppage time (90+4’).
It was Carsley’s first defeat in three matches as England were outplayed by Greece. Adding to the frustration, Saka appeared to suffer an injury, limping in the second half before being substituted in the 52nd minute, with Noni Madueke coming on to replace him.
Arsenal fans will certainly be sweating about Saka’s fitness, as he’s been in excellent form, scoring two goals and providing seven assists in seven Premier League games this season. Carsley shared that Saka seemed to have picked up the injury during Greece’s first goal.
"He’s being assessed. In the build-up to the first goal, you could see he felt something in his leg,” he said (via Standard UK).
Following the defeat, England now sit three points behind Greece in their Nations League group. The Three Lions' next match will be against Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Sunday, October 13.
Bukayo Saka shares his thoughts on captaining Arsenal
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Saka’s injury isn’t serious as he has elevated his game to a new level this season. In Martin Odegaard’s absence, the English winger has taken on the responsibility of captaining his boyhood club and has consistently delivered impressive performances.
When asked about his feelings on captaining the Gunners, Saka expressed how proud he is to wear the armband for the club he’s been with since he was just six.
“That’s one of the things where I become speechless when people ask me. Everyone knows my journey, where I came from. To take the captain’s armband, walk the lads out at the Emirates Stadium. I can’t put it into words,” he said to CBS Sports (via 90 min).
Arsenal have some crucial fixtures ahead in the coming weeks. After the international break, they will first face Bournemouth in the league on October 19, followed by a Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22. The Gunners will then host current Premier League leaders Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on October 27.