Bukayo Saka

Gareth Southgate suffers another blow as Bukayo Saka withdraws from England squad as precaution

Ankit Kunwar

Ever since his debut for the club in 2019, few players have been as consistent and prolific for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka. The now 22-year-old is considered to be one of England’s finest players and arguably one of the top players in the Premier League. That has only been compounded by the fact that Saka is currently Arsenal’s top scorer and creator in the Premier League. It has played a key role as the Gunners sit atop the Premier League table as they continue to fight it out in a three horse race for the title.

However, with the upcoming international break, it has many fans worried that the English international could get injured ahead a crucial run of games for the Gunners. That is especially true since Saka is a key part of Gareth Southgate’s squad, it saw the 22-year-old called up by the England boss for friendlies against Belgium and Brazil. Yet, reports have now indicated that Saka has withdrawn from the squad as a precaution.

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Bukayo Saka withdraws from England camp ahead of friendly against Brazil

The news was first reported by Con Harrison (Caught Offside and SportsBible) with Matt Law of the Telegraph also reporting the same. Harrison revealed, on X, that the 22-year-old had withdrawn as a precaution and that his sources had revealed that Saka fine, and not injured. But the English FA has yet to confirm any news of Saka’s withdrawal although reports have indicated that an official announcement isn’t far off.

English Stars Saka and Kane Miss Out on Training Ahead of Friendly Against Brazil

The Telegraph has also reported that Saka didn’t take part in group training on Wednesday ahead of the friendly against Brazil with various rumours flying around at the time. This does come as a huge blow for Gareth Southgate as the forward has been in fine form but he won’t be the only English star missing. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is also not a part of the squad after he suffered an ankle injury earlier this week.

The English international scored his 31st league goal of the season, which is the most any player has scored in their first Bundesliga season. However, Kane limped off the field after twisting his ankle and while he was named in the squad for England, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that he could miss both friendlies.