Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka’s starting spot in the England squad is now at serious risk following Cole Palmer’s hat-trick for Chelsea away at Wolves.
The Chelsea forward has just laid down a serious marker that his best form is starting to return in what has been a rather quiet campaign from the 23-year-old.
Who will be starting at right wing for England at the 2026 World Cup: Bukayo Saka or Cole Palmer? 👀
Right now, Saka is out injured with a hip issue after pulling out of the warm-up ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Leeds United.
The winger has been off the pace for the past few months, and hopefully, Palmer’s upturn in form can reinvigorate Saka’s desire to get back to his best.
Cole Palmer is offering Bukayo Saka strong England competition
Cole Palmer is now pushing Bukayo Saka for his spot in the England squad at next summer’s World Cup, but this could be perfect for Arsenal.
Palmer now has seven Premier League goals this term; meanwhile, Saka has just four.
Before picking up an injury, Saka had been really struggling to find his form, having scored just one goal for Arsenal in all competitions since the end of October.
The winger’s last goal came against Brentford on December 3, and truthfully, he had not been offering much to Mikel Arteta’s team.
However, now with Palmer breathing down his neck for his England starting spot, this could be just the incentive he needed to up his game.
Be honest, are you worried about Bukayo Saka’s form in front of goal?
Erling Haaland looks to be getting back to his best following a goal and assist against Liverpool, and now the Gunners need their star attacker to also regain his form.
Saka is now expected to be sidelined until the North London derby on February 22, with Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke replacing him.
Martinelli and Madueke have both looked solid at right wing over recent weeks, but there is no doubt that Arsenal need Saka back to his best.
Mikel Arteta set to provide Bukayo Saka injury update on Wednesday
Arteta is set to provide an update on Saka’s injury on Wednesday during his press conference ahead of Brentford.
The Gunners will be hoping to get the winger back to at least feature on the bench with Saka close to returning.
Last Friday, Arteta said: “His hip is much better, and hopefully very soon he will be with us.”
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