March 21, (THEWILL)- Arsenal’s in-form winger Bukayo Saka has pulled out of the England squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 warm-up matches against Brazil and Belgium. The 21-year-old reported to the England camp with an injury and was unable to participate in full training.
The news comes at a crucial juncture for both club and country as Arsenal chase the English Premier League glory and England prepare for this summer’s European Championships.
A Football Association statement confirmed Saka’s withdrawal on Thursday. “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation on an injury he reported to St George’s Park with”, it read. No replacements are planned, with Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad continuing preparations without Saka.
The talented forward has been a pivotal figure for the Gunners this season, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His absence will be a blow for England manager Southgate, who had been expected to start Saka in the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium-England’s final outings before Euro 2024 squad selection in May.
For Arsenal, managing Saka’s recovery will be paramount as they seek to capitalise on their slender EPL lead. The north Londoners also face a daunting UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich. Mikel Arteta will hope his star man can return to full fitness swiftly to aid Arsenal’s pursuit of major honours.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
