Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad, as confirmed by the English Football Association, after suffering an injury that left him unable to train with the rest of the team.
Bukayo Saka has left the England camp in another blow to Gareth Southgate's plans.
Arsenal star Saka did not participate in full training on Wednesday and returned to his club for further treatment ahead of the friendly matches with Brazil and Belgium.
The Football Association said in a statement: “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club to continue the rehabilitation process.” The Arsenal striker informed St. George Park was injured and was unable to participate in training.
He added: “There are no plans for more substitutions, as the 25-man England team continues its preparations for the next two international matches with Brazil and Belgium.”
This is believed to have been done as a precaution for Saka who was managing an Achilles tendon problem. No one will replace Saka on the 25-man roster.
It is a setback for England coach Southgate who is likely to miss Harry Kane for the match against Brazil on Saturday, with the Bayern Munich star hoping to be fit to face Belgium next Tuesday.
Southgate was hoping to use Phil Foden, Bellingham, Kane and Saka in an attacking-minded attacking line in these matches. But those plans were damaged by injury as Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer missed sessions this week.
Have your say! Is this update actually good news for Arsenal? Comment below
Saka will be a worry for Arsenal as they chase the Premier League and Champions League titles in their next match against Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners' academy graduate may not be the only high-profile withdrawal Southgate has to face.
Captain Harry Kane arrived with an ankle injury after colliding with the goal post while playing for Bayern Munich on Saturday. The German giants have issued a statement of their own regarding their leading goalscorer.
“Harry Kane injured his left ankle during Bayern Munich’s 5-2 win over Darmstadt. The striker is still traveling internationally with England and will be treated by team doctors there, in close consultation with the FC Bayern Munich medical department.”
Kane has already missed parts of training this week, undergoing an individual indoor program on Wednesday rather than a full contact session with the rest of his team-mates.
Join the new WhatsApp community And get your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also offer our community members special offers, promotions, and advertising from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check it out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read our website Privacy Notice.
“Coffee trailblazer. Passionate thinker. Creator. Hipster-friendly internet enthusiast.”
More Stories
Six Nations 2024: England's defense 'willing to make mistakes', says Ben Earl
Six Nations 2024: England are an 'incredibly dangerous' team, says Ireland coach Andy Farrell
Football matches have been canceled across the UK after stadiums were hit by flooding and freezing temperatures