Bukayo Saka was seen limping after he scored for England against Serbia and the Arsenal star signalled to the bench demanding a change immediately afterwards
Neil Docking
20:37, 13 Nov 2025Updated 20:41, 13 Nov 2025
View 2 Images
(Image: ITV)
Bukayo Saka sparked injury fears when he was seen limping after scoring the opening goal for England against Serbia on Thursday night.
The Arsenal talisman broke the deadlock in the 28th minute at Wembley when a freek kick from Declan Rice was punched clear by Serbia's goalkeeper, only to land at the feet of Nico O'Reilly, who hit it first time. That shot was blocked and Saka showing quality technique fired into the net.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live at Wembley, said: "What a wonderful finish. A cultured finish from Bukayo Saka. A poor piece of goalkeeping from Predrag Rajkovic initially. It was comfortable for the keeper, but he chooses to punch it instead of catching it. Saka is the coolest, calmest man inside Wembley."
But the winger immediately signalled to the bench after scoring and was seen not to be moving freely after the game kicked off again, with Arsenal fans and no doubt manager Mikel Arteta holding their breath as fears were raised that he may have suffered an injury.
They would have spent the next eight minutes on edge but when Serbia ace Ivan Ilic went down injured and the game was halted, Saka took advantage of the break in play to go to the touchline and change his boots.
Bukayo Saka wipes his face
View 2 Images
Bukayo Saka was quick to signal after scoring his goal(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Lee Dixon, commentating for ITV, said: "He was definitely limping after he scored his goal, that's for sure." He joked: "I wouldn't change your boots mate, I'd keep them on!"
One Arsenal fan had posted on X: "Is Bukayo Saka injured and asking for a substitution and getting ignored by Thomas Tuchel?" Another said: "Saka please under no condition should you be injured."
A third fan fumed: "Swear to God if Saka is injured now… Odegaard, Madueke, Gyokeres, Havertz, Jesus, Martinelli. Not long before we see a front 3 of Dowman, Harriman-Annous & Trossard."
However after the reality became clear, another Gunner posted: "Saka had everyone watching think he was injured and he was just asking to change his boots."
While another said: "They were convinced Saka was injured too when he just wanted to change his studs. Maybe they can’t see in the rain."
Arsenal, who currently lead the Premier League title race by four points ahead of Manchester City as they look to lift the title for the first time in 22 years next May, can ill afford any further injuries to Saka with a mounting injury crisis.
Article continues below
But it appears on this occasion there is nothing to fear, after a hamstring injury earlier this season, following a serious issue last campaign. The winger missed three-and-a-half months of last season following surgery on his right hamstring in December 2024.