Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024
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Bukayo Saka (right) talks to England team-mate Jude Bellingham
Bukayo Saka (right) has scored 11 times in 32 appearances for England

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium because of injury.

The Arsenal winger, 22, has not been able to take part in training since reporting for international duty.

The Football Association said Saka had reported to St George’s Park earlier in the week with an injury.

Saka has returned to Arsenal, who play at title rivals Manchester City on 31 March, for “continued rehabilitation”, according to an FA statement. external-link

England face Brazil at Wembley on Saturday before hosting Belgium at the national stadium on 26 March.

Saka’s withdrawal is a setback for England boss Gareth Southgate.

England have just two more scheduled matches after this international break – against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 3 June and Iceland on 7 June – before their opening game of Euro 2024 against Serbia on 16 June.

Saka has been in fine form for his club this season, with Arsenal top of the Premier League with 10 games to go and facing a two-legged Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

He has scored 16 goals for the Gunners this season – including 13 in the Premier League.

Saka has established himself as an important member of Southgate’s squad since making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2020.

He has 11 goals in 32 appearances for his country, including a hat-trick in a Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia in June 2023.

More to follow.

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