Bukayo Saka withdraws from England squad due to injury

Bukayo Saka did not participate in Arsenal's 1-0 win over City due to an injury

Bukayo Saka has been withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the October international break despite reporting for Three Lions this evening.

“Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club”.

The 22-year-old winger was out of the Three Lions games against Australia and Italy after failing to recuperate from a rumoured muscle injury in time for Sunday's league victory over Manchester City, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta had said on Sunday evening: “No, he couldn’t make it.

“He hasn’t had a single training session, so he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment.”

Before the attacker and his colleagues, notably Jude Bellingham and Aaron Ramsdale, appeared in England equipment on Monday afternoon, discussions had been continuing among his club and the medical professionals of his nation.

Saka has four days to heal in enough to play in Friday night's friendly against Australia at Wembley, although Gareth Southgate is likely to try out some peripheral players in that game.

The following Tuesday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy may therefore be England's primary concern. They may guarantee their qualification for the competition by winning in the capital.

According to reports, Arsenal would prefer that Saka take a break over the international break to prevent further damage.