Bukayo Saka
ArsenalRW
One-v-One Creator
Sep 5, 2001 (25)
Left
5'10"
159 lb
Six shots versus Napoli
Saka had six shots (one on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Napoli.
Analysis: Saka had plenty of chances in Wednesday's Champions League opener, taking a team-high six shots in the road victory. He only put one on target though as he was just a bit off his game despite having so many opportunities. He also recorded two accurate crosses and one chance, a solid outing in 73 minutes on the pitch.
Puts three shots on target
Saka generated four shots (three on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Saka was a persistent threat from the right, forcing Emiliano Martinez into multiple saves while putting three of his four attempts on target. He has attempted nine shots and scored twice across his opening three Premier League appearances, combining consistent shooting volume with involvement on corners. His directness, finishing ability and set-piece role continue to make him one of Arsenal's primary attacking outlets.
Scores game-winner vs. Villa
Saka scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Analysis: Saka took advantage of a sharp passing combination between Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori to tap the ball home from close range following a low cross from the Italian. Saka has now scored in back-to-back games to open the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Nets in opener
Saka scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and five corners in Friday's 3-0 victory against Coventry City.
Analysis: Saka kicked off his Premier League campaign with a goal and three shots in a comprehensive win. The winger is finally back to full health and looks to be a difference-maker every time he gets on the ball. He should be a problem for defenses all season and a big contributor as Arsenal look to repeat as champions.
Set to start against Coventry
Saka is fit and expected to be involved from the start in Friday's season opener against Coventry, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Yes, they're ready to be involved, yes."
Analysis: Saka had come off the bench in the Community Shield win over Manchester City as Arsenal eased him back into action following his post-World Cup break, but his readiness now points to a return to the starting lineup right away. That's a significant boost given his production last season, when he finished with seven goals and five assists in the Premier League before adding three goals and three assists for England at the World Cup. Saka is expected to reclaim his usual spot on the right wing as Arsenal open their title defense against Coventry.
Returns off bench Sunday
Saka came on as a substitute in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Analysis: This marks Saka's return to match action following his recent return to training, with the attacker joining the team after a post-World Cup vacation period. His involvement off the bench suggests Arsenal are easing him back into the competition for starts with Noni Madueke. It shouldn't take long for Saka to regain his priority spot on the right wing and deliver his usual offensive output. Coming off a seven-goal and five-assist EPL season, and adding three goals and three assists for England's national team at the World Cup, the talented dribbler should continue to be relied on to disrupt opposing defenses throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
In contention for Community Shield
Saka is in contention to play in Sunday's Community Shield if he responds to training as expected, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "They will be available; they trained with us today, they will train tomorrow, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved"
Analysis: Saka's potential return follows a productive World Cup with England, in which he scored three goals and added three assists across seven appearances. Injury spells had limited him to 31 Premier League appearances last season, though he still managed seven goals and five assists as Arsenal won the title, and his finishing and creativity make him a central figure in the attack when fully fit. Saka is expected to continue increasing his workload as preseason wraps up.
Back in training for preseason
Saka returned to training Saturday for the continuation of Arsenal's preseason, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per James Benge.
Analysis: Saka returns to preseason after a productive World Cup with England, scoring three goals and adding three assists across seven appearances. The winger remains one of Arsenal's most important attacking players after injury spells limited him to 31 Premier League appearances last season, though he still managed seven goals and five assists as the club won the title under Mikel Arteta. His finishing, creativity and occasional involvement on set pieces make him a central figure in the attack when fully fit, while Declan Rice is expected to handle the majority of set-piece duties. Saka is expected to gradually increase his workload as preseason progresses.
Scores hat trick against France
Saka scored three goals to go with five shots (four on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 6-4 victory versus France.
Analysis: Saka had a massive outing in the World Cup third-place match, making a quick reaction after staying on the bench in the semifinals. Despite having inconsistent playing time, the talented winger ended up with three goals and three assists across seven appearances at the international event, ranking third on the squad in total direct contributions only behind Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Saka is expected to remain a top fantasy asset in the upcoming EPL campaign.
Provides assist in win
Saka assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-2 win against Mexico.
Analysis: Saka lifted a ball that led to Jude Bellingham's opener after dribbling into the box in the 36th minute against the co-hosts. Having previously seen limited action as a backup option behind Noni Madueke, Saka showed he's now in good shape to start matches and could continue to make an impact on the right wing. He has stood out for his three assists in five appearances (two starts), ranking on top of the squad in that category.
Four crosses off bench
Saka generated four crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus the DR Congo.
Analysis: Saka came off the bench and sent in four crosses during Wednesday's win. He provided a threat down the right flank but couldn't produce any end product at the end. The winger should be in for a big role against Mexico, though his fitness has been managed throughout the tournament, so his role might be off the bench for that round of 16 clash.
Assists in win
Saka assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Panama.
Analysis: Saka closed the group stage with an assist in the 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday. Operating on the wing, he remained effective, registering a shot on target, completing a successful dribble, and winning four duels. Despite his quality, he has been left out of the starting XI twice, with Noni Madueke preferred on the right by Tomas Tuchel. Even so, Saka's work rate has stood out, producing two assists, five total shot attempts, three successful dribbles, and 10 duels won across his minutes played. Depending on how England approach the knockout rounds, he has a legitimate case to push for another start over Madueke.
Recovered from injury
Saka (Achilles) is available for Tuesday's contest versus Ghana as England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed "Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go - without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.", John Cross of the Daily Mirror reports.
Analysis: Saka is not guaranteed to start, but he could see minutes off the bench again, sharing time on the field with Noni Madueke so that he's not rushed into heavy workload after dealing with an Achilles injury. While he's still unreliable for playing time, Saka should be able to contribute through offensive play when given the opportunity, with the remaining group matches presenting convenient chances for him to showcase his dribbling ability on the right wing.
Returns to full training
Saka (Achilles) has returned to full group training with the England squad in Kansas City, with all 26 players confirmed fit ahead of Tuesday's clash against Ghana, according to Rob Dorsett, per Sky Sports News.
Analysis: Saka's presence in the full group session is a significant boost for England heading into their second group stage fixture, having been carefully managed throughout the buildup to the tournament. The Arsenal winger did not start the opener against Croatia as the coaching staff monitored his Achilles carefully, and his return to full training gives coach Thomas Tuchel the option of handing him a more prominent role against Ghana. England will be keen to have one of their most dangerous attacking options available and contributing as the tournament progresses, and Saka's full participation in training is the clearest sign yet that his fitness concerns are behind him.
Back in training
Saka (Achilles) was back in training Sunday ahead of Tuesday's match against Ghana, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Saka was back in training Sunday, relieving some of the worries around the player after his absence Saturday. This continues with his heavily monitored recovery, not starting in their opener against Croatia and remaining in careful training practices. He still remains a likely option for Tuesday if he remains in training, although the English winger may not start again to be cautious, as England looks to make a deeper run into the World Cup and would rather have him fit for upcoming games.
Not training Saturday
Saka is not training with England as the winger works on an individual programme while he continues his recovery from an Achilles complaint, reports Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Saka has been handled with considerable care ever since England's camp began and that was plain to see when he was left out of the starting eleven for the opening game against Croatia, coming on only for the final 18 minutes during which he still managed to contribute an assist. The Achilles problem that troubled him has not gone away however and he is currently working away from the main group on an individual programme. Whether he makes it onto the pitch at all against Ghana remains uncertain and a place in the starting eleven looks extremely unlikely given the approach Thomas Tuchel has taken since the beginning of the camp.
Unlikely to start vs. Ghana
Saka is unlikely to start against Ghana on Tuesday, according to Craig Hope of The Daily Mail. "Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready," manager Thomas Tuchel said.
Analysis: Saka came off the bench against Croatia and recorded an assist, but based on Tuchel's words, he's not ready to start yet. That means Noni Madueke could keep his place on the right side of the attack. Saka should be a starter when healthy, but it seems Thomas Tuchel is being extremely cautious with Saka's fitness levels, at least in the early stages of the tournament.
Substitute, earns assist
Saka recorded one assist on one chance created in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Croatia.
Analysis: Saka would not enter the match until the 72nd minute Wednesday, as the team continues to be cautious with his return after some Achilles pain. He would find some decent work in his short appearance, as he found Maruc Rashford in the 85th minute for the final goal of the match and an assist. Saka will now eye a starting role as they head into their next contest against Ghana, likely to ramp up the minutes as they close in on knockout stage action after the key opening match victory.
"Ready to go" for opener
Saka is fully operational for Wednesday's match against Croatia, the player told James Olley of ESPN. "What I would say, between Mikel [Arteta], the Arsenal medical team, Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March they've managed me amazingly. Helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team. I'm feeling better than I've felt in the last few months, and I'm ready to go. I'm ready to go."
Analysis: Saka is heading into England's World Cup opener ready for action, appearing to have no limitations as he takes the field. With England's opener possibly the toughest of their group stage, this is huge news for the team, as Croatia will be no easy feat. He will be tasked with running the flank and is one of the best odds of any England attacker to earn a goal contribution, hoping to get the tournament off right as England looks for World Glory.
Still managing issue
Saka is still managing a small issue, Thomas Tuchel told reporters ahead of the World Cup."He had an injury in the March camp and carried it through in the club campaign. He made himself available but he was managed between matches. That continues at the moment."
Analysis: Saka has been struggling with an issue for months now, and is still going to be carefully managed going into the World Cup. It's hard to imagine England actually sitting Saka unless they are in a situation with the group comfortably in hand. Either way, this could be a sign that Saka will miss some training sessions and barring a new injury those misses are likely planned load management.
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