Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The 22-year-old has returned to his club as a precaution with the aim of continuing his rehabilitation ahead of the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City.
While some fans on X are happy that Saka’s fitness won’t be risked on international duty, many are concerned about whether he will be available for the trip to the Etihad on Sunday week:
Wow
— HOPEWELL (@HOPEWELL_Y) March 21, 2024
Fairs. They want him prepare for City
— D A G A C H I👑 (@sir_dagachi) March 21, 2024
I hope it’s nothing serious
— Moh Gunner 𓃵 (@MrRemember5) March 22, 2024
We need the starboy asap!
— Steve Gunners Hara (@SteveGunners1) March 21, 2024
There goes the title…..again…..
— Timothy (@timothy_173) March 22, 2024
What exactly is wrong with him?
— D A G A C H I👑 (@sir_dagachi) March 21, 2024
Saka has just over a week to recover
At this stage, it is not known what type of injury the forward has picked up. You would suspect it is some sort of muscular problem going by England’s reluctance to take a chance on him in friendly matches.
Saka has picked up plenty of knocks this season already but he is pretty resilient, having only missed one game. Ironically, though, that was the first game versus City back in early October.
An Arsenal injury update
Both Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR on Thursday. The pair remained with the Gunners (rather than going away with their country) to work on their fitness following recent injuries.
However, there is no sign of Gabriel (Achilles) and Gabriel Martinelli (foot) returning to action, with the two Brazilians seemingly in a race against time to be fit for the City match, along with Saka.
