Bukayo Saka sat out Arsenal’s hard-fought win over Manchester City and will not be available to play for England as a result.
- Winger nursing muscle complaint
- Rarely misses games at club level
- Will not figure for the Three Lions
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 22-year-old winger rarely misses a game at club level, with a 1-0 victory against City the first time he has failed to figure in a Premier League fixture for the Gunners since May 2021. Saka is nursing a muscle complaint that was picked up in a Champions League meeting with Lens.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gareth Southgate selected Saka in his latest England squad in spite of that knock, but the Three Lions boss has been informed that the Arsenal talisman will not be available for games against Australia and Italy. Mikel Arteta said when asked for an update on Saka: “He hasn’t trained at all in the last two days. He’s not available to play football at the moment.”
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WHAT THEY SAID
While Saka was ruled out against City, Gabriel Martinelli did make a welcome return to action off the bench. Arteta added on having the Brazilian back, with Leandro Trossard picking up a first-half knock: “He’s been saying for a few weeks ‘I’m going be there against City even though everyone said it would be too soon’. Leo after 30 minutes felt something in his hamstring and he was ready with his kit straight away there. He’s a joy of a boy.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Martinelli’s deflected effort ended up settling a heavyweight clash with City, with a three-point haul against the defending champions preserving Arsenal’s unbeaten record in 2023-24 while pulling them level with north London neighbours Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table.
Bukayo Saka is good play