Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka Injured, Ruled Out of England Squad for Upcoming Friendlies – News18

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium because of an unspecified injury.

The Arsenal forward “reported to St. George’s Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training,” the Football Association said in a statement on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Saka returned to Arsenal “for continued rehabilitation,” the statement added.

Saka has established himself as a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s England team, but he will miss the Euro 2024 warm-up matches due to an unspecified injury.

The games against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday and Belgium at the same venue next Tuesday are England’s last outings before Southgate announces his Euro squad in May.

“Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation,” a Football Association statement said on Thursday.

“The Arsenal forward reported to St George’s Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training.

“No further replacements are planned as a 25-man England squad continue their preparation for the forthcoming internationals with Brazil and Belgium.”

Saka’s withdrawal comes as Arsenal prepare for a dramatic end to the season.

Saka has been a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s lineup, making 36 appearances in all competitions this season for Arsenal, which leads the Premier League ahead of a visit to Manchester City on March 31.

The Gunners also face a Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.

England doesn’t plan to bring in a replacement for Saka, who will miss his country’s last two games before Gareth Southgate announces his squad for European Championship.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)