Bukayo Saka will be not be joining the England National Team camp for the upcoming international break and European championship qualifying matches after all, England confirmed late on Monday.
“The England medical team assessed Saka. It was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club,” a statement from the Three Lions read.
The news comes after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Emirates. Saka did not feature in the starting line-up for the crucial encounter. The England international did not even feature in the matchday squad as Arsenal didn’t want to risk their star winger.
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Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta talked about Saka after the match. He revealed that the winger had no training session ahead of the game and hence wasn’t risked. He was also asked if Saka would be able to join the England camp ahead of the international break. The Arsenal boss replied, “No, Saka is unavailable to play football at the moment.”
Gareth Soutgate had called up Saka to the England team last week, despite Saka picking up a knock during the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat at Lens in the Champions League.
Arsenal and the FA had held talks to discuss whether the player should join up with the national team during the break. The domestic side believed that a rest would do the player – who has started every Premier League and Champions League tie this season – a world of good.
Mail Sport had reported on Friday that Saka would be allowed to complete a significantly tapered training programme. The report also said he was unlikely to be named to the matchday squad for the team’s friendly against Australia on Friday evening.
Despite this, England called up Saka to the squad, leading to frustration from the Arsenal management.
The decision to not include Saka is likely to sit well with the Arsenal management. The Gunners wanted some rest for the 23-year-old ahead of the busy schedule after international break.
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