Bukayo Saka withdraws from England squad due to injury: Arsenal Star To Miss Crucial Euro 2024 Qualifier:
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad due to a hamstring injury, it was announced on Monday.
Saka missed Arsenal’s win over Manchester City on Sunday with the injury, which is not considered to be serious. England boss Gareth Southgate had hoped to have Saka available for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, but the FA has decided that it is best for the player to continue his recovery with his club.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had previously said that Saka was unavailable to play for England, but the FA chose to examine the injury themselves before making a decision. Southgate has not called up a replacement for Saka, and will instead be able to call on the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Jarrod Bowen.
Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of the most important names in Southgate’s side, and, given that a win over Italy could be enough to qualify them for Euro 2024, he was keen to convince Arsenal that he could be trusted with one of their brightest stars.
“The clubs have trust in us that we make decisions that are right for the long term whenever we can,” he said last week. “We only have 10 matches a year. And there’s been times when Bukayo, for example, hasn’t always played. But there are certain key games where, if it’s possible to have your best players, then you do want to have them. We’ve got that responsibility of qualifying for the country, but … I’ve been a player … I’ve never, ever taken a risk on a player’s physical wellbeing. And nor would I.”
Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury.
“Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club”. pic.twitter.com/15DAkMUUho
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 9, 2023
Saka’s injury a blow to England
Saka’s absence is a blow to England, but Southgate will be confident that he has enough firepower in his squad to cope. The Three Lions have a number of world-class attacking players, including Rashford, Grealish, Foden and Bowen.
Southgate will also be able to call on experienced players such as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. Sterling was not included in the initial squad for the upcoming internationals, but he could be recalled following his impressive performance for Chelsea against Burnley on Saturday.
Arsenal to benefit from Saka’s absence
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be relieved that Saka is withdrawing from the England squad. The Gunners have a number of important matches coming up, including a Premier League clash against Chelsea on October 21.
Arteta will be hoping that Saka can make a full recovery from his injury in time for that game. The 22-year-old is one of Arsenal’s most important players, and his return to fitness would be a major boost to the club’s hopes of finishing in the top four this season.
Conclusion
Bukayo Saka’s withdrawal from the England squad is a blow to both the Three Lions and Arsenal. However, both parties have enough quality in their squads to cope with his absence.
Southgate will be confident that he can still lead England to victory over Australia and Italy, while Arteta will be hoping that Saka can make a full recovery from his injury in time for Arsenal’s upcoming matches.
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