Bukayo Saka has endured a rough start to the 2025/26 campaign at Arsenal as he faces a few more weeks on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old has been the leading talisman for Mikel Arteta, but has unfortunately experienced his fair share of injury woes over the past year.
He missed 19 matches throughout the second half of the 2024/25 season due to a hamstring issue, and Saka sustained a fresh hamstring injury during the 6-0 win against Leeds United.
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Although the Gunners hope Saka will be available to face Nottingham Forest after the international break, his deteriorating fitness record is becoming a growing concern.
Arsenal v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
And now his place in the England squad could be in jeopardy ahead of the 2026 World Cup as Jamie O’Hara believes Saka will face a challenge displacing his club teammate, in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Noni Madueke could replace Bukayo Saka for England
Noni Madueke has impressed for England over the international break and after the Arsenal forward scored in the 5-0 win against Serbia on Tuesday, O’Hara questioned whether Saka will regain his place in the national side live on talkSPORT.
“Does he start? I know he’s a brilliant football player, but Madueke is very direct.
“I like that at the international level, when you’ve got a player who would just go at you, or run in behind you. Saka likes a ball to feet, and he’s brilliant with it.
“I like him and (Anthony) Gordon. It’s a lot to like. I like the way they run in behind, I like the way they direct with the ball, that they’ll go at players. The way they played tonight, I saw a bit of freedom.”
Arteta spent £52 million to acquire Madueke from Chelsea in the summer, and although his signing was seen as a way to bring quality back-up to the established wide forwards at the Emirates, he is staking a claim for a starting berth.
The 23-year-old started the 1-0 loss against Liverpool at Anfield, and despite the result representing an early blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title aspirations, Madueke shone against Milos Kerkez.
Furthermore, Gary Neville lauded Madueke’s performance when he replaced Saka on the right flank at Elland Road – his sensational form for club and country will force the respective managers into a difficult decision regarding the Arsenal pair.
How did Noni Madueke fare against Serbia?
Indeed, Madueke was initially intended to be nothing more than a rotation option at the Emirates, and now he could play an important role for Arteta when club football resumes.
Among the plethora of attacking options at Arsenal, only Madueke, outside of Saka, is a natural on the right flank, and should the latter be deemed not fit enough to start against Nottingham Forest, then Madueke will undoubtedly keep his starting role.
Noni Madueke vs Serbia Total
Touches 36
Goals 1
Shots 2
Pass accuracy 91%
Successful Dribbles 100%
Duels won 80%
Statistics provided by Fotmob.
However, Madueke starting the clash may not rely on Saka’s fitness after all; he has been phenomenal for England over the international break and has looked a natural alongside the usual stars.
Therefore, Saka may be forced to endure the most difficult challenge of his career and face an uphill battle to regain his role in Arteta’s side.