The Football Association, FA, is expecting Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka to report to the England camp ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming international friendly match and Euro 2024 qualifying game despite his injury situation, but Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, insists the player is unavailable.
The 22-year-old missed out on the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday through injury he sustained in their UEFA Champions League loss at RC Lens on Tuesday.
Saka’s record-breaking streak of 87 successive Premier League outings came to an end when he was left out of the Arsenal team for their decisive triumph over the defending champions.
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When asked later if Saka would travel with the national team, Arsenal manager Arteta responded.
“No, he couldn’t make it.
“He hasn’t had a single training session, so he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment.”
According to the Evening Standard, The FA was still anticipating Saka to report to St. George’s Park on Monday morning to be examined by the national team’s medical personnel.
Before their Euro 2024 qualifier match against Italy next week Tuesday at Wembley, Gareth Southgate’s team will host Australia on Friday night, October 13, in a friendly.
22-year-old Saka has experienced some injury setbacks this season. He was taken out in each of Arsenal’s previous two League matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth before the home game against Manchester City.
Arsenal are looking to let Saka take a break during the international break hoping that he will regain full fitness before they face London rivals, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 21. However, the forward has equally developed into an important player for England who wish to have him available at least for the match against Italy.
After missing out on the 2022/23 Premier League title, Arsenal are looking to win the title this season. The 13-time winners of the English top-flight league who last won it in the 2003/2004 season, hope to have all their key players as fit as possible to triumph over other title contenders this term.
By Habeeb Kuranga
