Several Arsenal players are on the other side of the pond for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Some have a better chance of going all the way than the others, but we’re sure all of them will do everything they can to make their countries proud.
On Wednesday night, four Arsenal players took part in a friendly for England against Costa Rica, and the Three Lions won the game 3-0.
Bukayo Saka was one of the players who got on the pitch, but his performance didn’t seem to impress Roy Keane.
🏆 Which Arsenal star will go the furthest at this summer’s World Cup?
Zubimendi and Spain? Saka and England? Saliba and France?
Roy Keane says Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has ‘lost his spark’
Saka has had a very difficult last 18 months.
The England international suffered a serious hamstring injury in December 2024, and since then, he has had a few more issues.
Thomas Tuchel revealed that Saka is still playing through an Achilles injury and will have to be managed throughout the World Cup.
That probably played a part in his performance after coming on against Costa Rica on Wednesday.
On ITV, Keane was speaking about a few tweaks Tuchel could make for England’s group stage games at the World Cup.
When asked if starting Noni Madueke over Saka would be one of them, the Manchester United legend wasn’t sure. But he made sure to highlight the latter’s problem.
He said: “Oh, I don’t know.
“The only thing I’ve seen from Saka tonight a little bit, the few opportunities he got where he’s trying to go past, to me, he has lost that spark a little bit, and the timing isn’t great.
“And if he’s kind of carrying an injury, maybe that might cost him a little bit because I think he has lost his spark.
“There were a couple of chances he had there on the edge of the box to go past people, and he didn’t do that. And that might be a little worry for the manager.”
What does Bukayo Saka need to do to be considered Arsenal’s greatest ever Premier League winger?
Bukayo Saka is a valuable asset for England, even if he is not fully fit
Saka is one of Arsenal and England’s best and most important players.
The fact that Tuchel has picked him while knowing he is not fully fit ahead of players like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer makes it clear how valuable he is.
Saka may not be able to play the full 90 minutes every single game at the World Cup, but even if he manages to feature for an hour, he has the quality to make the difference.
Madueke is good, but if you’re heading into a must-win game, Saka will always be the player who will get the nod – even if he is not completely fit.
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