Bukayo Saka injury: Gareth Southgate provides update on England & Arsenal winger
By Sean Walsh
England manager Gareth Southgate has provided an update on Bukayo Saka after he was substituted with an injury during the Three Lions' 4-0 win at Malta on Friday.
Saka was withdrawn at half-time with his side three goals to the good in their Euro 2024 qualifier at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali.
The Arsenal winger helped set up England's opening goal on the night, with his cross diverted into the net by Malta defender Ferdinando Apap.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who excelled in his new midfield role, scored the Three Lions' second goal of the evening with a stunning strike from range, before Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot having been fouled by Matthew Guillaumier.
Towards the end of the first half, Saka's ankle buckled under a sliding challenge from a Maltese defender. He received treatment for several minutes before limping back on.
Saka appeared to be moving with more freedom in stoppage time as he forced goalkeeper Henry Bonello into a low save with a fierce strike, but he was replaced by Phil Foden at half-time.
However, Southgate alleviated fears that Saka had sustained serious damage, revealing in his post-match press conference that he took the 21-year-old off as a precaution.
"He's good. We just didn't want to take a chance with him given the scoreline," Southgate calmly stated.
Following Saka's withdrawal, England added one further goal, with Callum Wilson rounding off the scoring with another penalty late on.
England are back in Euro 2024 qualifying action on Monday evening when they take on North Macedonia at Old Trafford. The Three Lions will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the group.
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