Bukayo Saka has dropped out of the England squad ahead of their double-header of friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.
The winger reported for duty at St. George’s Park but hasn’t trained due to an injury. He’s now returning to London Colney for “continued rehabilitation”.
While the specifics of the issue are unclear, it’s a headache Mikel Arteta would prefer not to have as he gears up for a crunch clash with Manchester City in 10 days.
Bukayo Saka has left the #ThreeLions camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation on an injury he reported to St. George's Park with.
Speedy recovery, @BukayoSaka87! 👊
— England (@England) March 21, 2024
At this point, we have to hope that all parties are exercising extreme caution and that it’s nothing serious. He seemed to be in a buoyant mood earlier in the week when he plied his teammates with a new hot sauce he’s marketing for a well-known chain of chicken restaurants.
As we’ve reported previously, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have pulled out of Brazil’s squad, so Arsenal’s interest in Saturday’s game now lies with Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale.
Elsewhere, young Gunner Reuell Walters has been called up to England’s under-20s for their game against the Czech Republic.
It looks like Arteta is beginning to master the dark arts.
Expect to see Saka start at City.
Fingers crossed.
And toes
Almost as dark as his eyebrows.
Hope you’re right, FG. Rest easy B, need everyone gunning on the 31st!
Oh what a tangled web he weaves. I really hope you’re right but it feels right.
I heard that Ryan Giggs has withdrawn from the Wales squad. Might just be a rumour.
Getting into poetry i heard.
Saka wouldn’t let go a game against Brazil if he wasn’t really injured.
Hopefully he told Southgate that he’s a prize prick for throwing his teammate Ben White under the bus before he left.
This. My first thought reading the title was, I really hope it’s just him standing in solidarity with Benjamin
Lovely stuff.
Just need Rice/ Havertz and Saliba to follow suit now 👍
Well I am worried for the tiny percentage that this news is legit.
Good. Get him away from that lot
God I hope this is us playing the game and not being decimated by injuries for rhe biggest game of the season!
Get him back home among familiar coaches who actually know what the hell they’re doing and what they’re talking about.…
Look how happy he is to go home.
🙏🏾
We going to Dubai then?
I’ve got no idea why Southgate would want to risk burning out or injuring any of his key players ahead of the euros by selecting them for friendlies in the middle of a hectic run in anyway. It’s just the done thing I guess
These fixtures should be used to give a chance to squad players and wildcards surely
I can hear the conversation now:
Edu: “Of course Saka is available, but if you get him crocked so he can’t play the Citeh game I will cut off your balls and keep them in a pickle jar on my desk.”
Southgate: “Now you mention it he’s looking a bit under the weather. Probably best if he goes home.”