Bukayo Saka has pulled out of the England squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium due to injury.
The 22-year-old Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka, has been unable to participate in training since joining the international squad.
The Football Association revealed that Saka arrived at St George’s Park earlier in the week with an injury.
Saka has returned to Arsenal for further rehabilitation, as the club prepares to face title rivals Manchester City on March 31, as stated by the FA.
England is scheduled to face Brazil at Wembley on Saturday, followed by hosting Belgium at the national stadium on March 26.
Saka’s absence poses a challenge for England manager Gareth Southgate.
Following this international break, England has only two more scheduled matches – against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 3 and Iceland on June 7 – before their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on June 16.
According to the FA statement, no additional replacements are planned, as the 25-man England squad continues its preparations for the upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium.
Saka has displayed exceptional form for his club this season, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League with 10 games remaining and their upcoming two-legged Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
Throughout the season, he has netted 16 goals for the Gunners, including 13 in the Premier League alone.
Since his debut as a 19-year-old in 2020, Saka has cemented his place as a key member of Southgate’s squad.
In September 2023, Saka was honored as England men’s player of the year for the second consecutive season.
He boasts an impressive record of 11 goals in 32 appearances for his country, notably securing a hat-trick in a Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia in June 2023.