England confirm Bukayo Saka decision following injury assessment
- Bukayo Saka picked up injury during Arsenal's loss at Lens last week
- Winger sat out Sunday's win against Manchester City
- Saka reported for England duty on Monday but has now been sent home
By Sean Walsh
England have announced that Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from Gareth Southgate's squad to face Australia and Italy this month due to injury.
The winger picked up an injury in Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Lens in the Champions League last Tuesday and was expected to sit out Sunday's Premier League encounter with title rivals Manchester City.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hinted in the lead up to that clash that Saka was surprisingly still in contention to play, but the Spaniard eventually decided against naming him in his matchday squad for their 1-0 win.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta insisted Saka would not join up with the England team for the October internationals.
"No, he will not make it. He has not trained for a single session. He is not available to play football at the moment," Arteta said.
The Evening Standard reported on Monday morning that the FA were still expecting Saka to arrive at St George's Park to assess his injury for themselves.
However, they have now confirmed that Saka has been sent home again following their own medical checks.
A statement read: "Bukayo Saka will play no part in England's fixtures with Australia and Italy.
"The forward reported to St. George's Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions' squad.
"Having missed Arsenal's Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.
"No replacements are planned with Gareth Southgate having a squad of 25 players to work with. "
Southgate will instead have to rely on other forwards such as West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen and Man City's Phil Foden to play on the right for their upcoming matches instead.
Chelsea's Raheem Sterling was a surprise omission from Southgate's squad given his fine start to the 2023/24 season.
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