A significant update has emerged concerning a key Arsenal player, easing apprehensions that had surfaced following his recent international appearance for England. The player’s actions during the England versus Serbia match at Wembley had prompted initial concern regarding his availability for the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham. This development provides important clarity for both Arsenal and England supporters, addressing speculation about a potential injury sustained during the World Cup qualifier on November 13, 2025.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka featured prominently for England in their World Cup qualifier against Serbia, which took place at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, November 13, 2025. During this international fixture, Saka delivered a compelling performance, playing a crucial role in England’s attacking movements. His efforts were notably rewarded in the 28th minute of the first half when he registered a remarkable goal. The scoring opportunity materialized from a shot by debutant Nico O’Reilly, whose initial attempt was hopeful but took a deflection. This altered trajectory directed the ball perfectly into Saka’s path, allowing the Arsenal talisman to execute a brilliant volley that found the far corner of the net. The goal provided England with an early lead and highlighted Saka’s clinical finishing ability on the international stage, further solidifying his position as a vital asset for both club and country.
Immediately following his impressive first-half goal, a moment of concern arose among observers. Bukayo Saka was seen making a distinct gesture towards the England bench after his celebrations, which led to immediate speculation. Many interpreted this signal as an indication that the Arsenal winger might have sustained a knock or injury and could be requesting a substitution. This perceived issue generated considerable worry among fans and pundits alike, especially given the crucial upcoming schedule for Arsenal, including the significant North London derby against rivals Tottenham. The sight of a key player signalling to the bench shortly after scoring naturally fueled assumptions of an underlying physical discomfort, prompting widespread discussion regarding his welfare and availability for future matches.
However, the initial fears were subsequently dispelled by Saka himself following the match. Despite the momentary concern and his gesture to the bench, Bukayo Saka continued to play for the entirety of the game, completing the full 90 minutes. This sustained presence on the field, without any apparent hindrance to his performance, served to alleviate some of the immediate worries. When questioned directly by ITV reporters after England’s 2-0 victory over Serbia, Saka provided a straightforward explanation for his action, clarifying the nature of his communication with the technical area. His response was concise and conclusive, directly addressing the speculation that had emerged during the match. He stated, verbatim, “No, I just wanted to change my boots. That was it.” This direct confirmation effectively ended any further conjecture regarding an injury, assuring stakeholders of his physical condition ahead of Arsenal’s next critical fixture.
Saka’s Goalscoring Form and International Impact
Bukayo Saka’s goal against Serbia marked a continuation of his strong international scoring form. England head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously challenged Saka to enhance his goalscoring output for the national team. Saka has demonstrably responded to this demand, adding to a recent strike against Wales last month with this memorable finish at Wembley. The goal against Serbia brought his total tally to 14 goals in 46 senior caps for England. This consistent offensive contribution underscores his growing influence and importance within the England squad, proving his capability to deliver crucial goals in significant matches. England’s impressive performance against Serbia, culminating in a 2-0 victory, further extended their perfect qualifying record in Group K, where they have now secured seven wins from seven matches, having already qualified for the upcoming tournament. This flawless record highlights the team’s collective strength and the individual brilliance of players like Saka.
Saka expressed satisfaction with England’s overall performance against Serbia, particularly emphasizing the collective achievement. He stated to ITV, verbatim: “I think it was a performance we can be proud of. We got the win in the end and we played well.” Reflecting on his expertly taken volley, Saka considered its significance, saying, verbatim: “Maybe [that was the sweetest volley he had hit for England], I’m not sure. It was top two though. It was a nice strike and I was happy it went in.” These comments reinforce his dedication to both individual excellence and team success, providing insight into his mindset following another impactful display for England.
Collective Ambition and Squad Depth
Bukayo Saka was not the sole Arsenal player to make a significant impact on the scoresheet during England’s triumph over Serbia. Eberechi Eze, introduced from the substitutes’ bench, delivered an electric performance that further extended England’s lead. Initially, Eze demonstrated his offensive threat by striking the crossbar, showcasing his attacking prowess. Subsequently, he solidified England’s comfortable 2-0 victory by curling home a first-time finish with expertise, converting a pass from fellow lively substitute Phil Foden. Eze acknowledged the team’s performance, stating verbatim: “Another good performance, important to get the win. Of course I’m happy to score and help the team, which is important as well.” His contribution underscored the depth of talent within the England squad, with several players capable of influencing the outcome from various positions.
The competition for places within the England squad, particularly in the attacking midfield and forward roles, remains intense. This was evident on the night, as Morgan Rogers was selected to start at No10 ahead of Jude Bellingham, despite Bellingham being a prominent figure in the squad. Both Bellingham, Eze, and Foden subsequently impressed off the bench, demonstrating their quality and readiness to contribute. Eze commented on this dynamic, stating verbatim: “There’s a lot of talent in the team, you can see the types of players that are here and the types of players that aren’t here as well. It’s the type of competition that you want to be up against, you want to be in and around and it’s going to help the team for sure.” This competitive environment is viewed as beneficial for the team’s overall development and performance. The collective aspiration within the England camp is directed towards achieving significant tournament success, specifically the World Cup. Eze affirmed this ambition, articulating, verbatim: “We’ve got to be confident, we’ve got to believe that it’s possible [to win the World Cup]. Games like this, it’s working day by day towards achieving that goal. We’re doing everything we can.”
The confirmed fitness of Bukayo Saka is a considerable relief for Arsenal ahead of their crucial North London derby encounter with Tottenham. His continued availability ensures that Arsenal will have a key attacking threat at their disposal for the eagerly anticipated fixture. The performances of both Saka and Eze for England highlight the individual qualities that these Arsenal players bring to high-stakes matches, reinforcing their significance to their club’s ambitions. England, having already secured qualification for the World Cup, continues its preparations with a strong, confident squad, underpinned by impressive individual displays and a collective focus on future tournament success.