Muscle injuries and fatigue tend to be inevitable consequences when players have to navigate a packed schedule that includes domestic league matches, international fixtures, and cup competitions. The demanding fixture list can place significant strain on players’ bodies, ultimately increasing the risk of injuries.
Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka has been nursing a harmstring injury since Arsenal’s encounter with Tottenham in their League fixture. Now, Saka has been ruled out of upcoming international fixtures.
Bukayo Saka withdraws from England’s team due to injury
Bukayo Saka’s match fitness has been a concern since the England player suffered a knock during Arsenal’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur in September.
Despite Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s assertion that Bukayo Saka was unavailable, the 22-year-old player reported to England’s St George’s Park base on Monday for medical assessments, and now it has been confirmed that he’s indeed unfit and will not participate in the international break fixtures.
It’s a routine practice for England’s medical staff to conduct their own assessments, and after a series of examinations, the English Football Association (FA) said in a statement that;
“Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, the England medical team assessed Saka, and it was decided that the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.”
🚨 Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 9, 2023
“Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club”. pic.twitter.com/15DAkMUUho
Also, Bukayo Saka has not been regular for Arsenal in recent fixtures. Mikel Arteta had initially hinted that Bukayo Saka might have a chance to feature in the match against Manchester City on Sunday. However, Saka was not included in the matchday squad, and when questioned about the possibility of the winger joining the England national team, Arteta responded as follows;
“No, he couldn’t make it. He hasn’t had a single training session, so that he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment.”
Which England players are potentially to replace Bukayo Saka?
The Football Association has released a lengthy statement on Bukayo Saka’s availability and potential replacements for the England forward in England’s upcoming fixtures. It says,
“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, the England medical team assessed Saka, and it was decided that the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.”
Speaking precisely on potential replacements, Gareth Southgate believes he already has that will effectively deliver. Hence, no need for any additions. In his words;
“We have the chance to win the game against Italy and secure qualification. But it’s another one of these games that we’re against a top-ten nation, and can we start beating these teams more regularly.”
“That was the challenge when we went to Naples in March. We did that, we had a very good performance on the night, and this will be a great test for us,” he added.
Since no replacement is considered for Gareth Southgate’s already listed squad. The likes of Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and even Mason Mount, who is primarily a midfielder, can conveniently fill in for the absent Bukayo Saka.
Jack Grealish would have been a worthy replacement, as well as Raheem Sterling, but Grealish is still injured while Sterling has not been called up, despite his recent brilliant performances.
