Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad as a precaution.
Saka, 22, was named in Gareth Southgate’s initial 25-man squad last Thursday but will now return to Arsenal for the remainder of the international break. Southgate’s squad remains at 25 after Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was added on Tuesday, having previously been called up to the Under-21s.
“Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation,” an England statement read on Thursday.
“The Arsenal forward reported to St. George’s Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training.
“No further replacements are planned as a 25-man England squad continue their preparation for the forthcoming internationals with Brazil and Belgium.”
Saka played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s final game before the international break, the 2-1 victory over Brentford on March 9. Arsenal then did not have a fixture last weekend due to their scheduled game against Chelsea being postponed because of the west London side’s participation in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Arsenal’s first game after the international break is their trip to third-placed Manchester City on Sunday, March 31. Mikel Arteta’s side then host Luton Town on Wednesday, April 3.
England, meanwhile, face Brazil and Belgium in friendlies on Saturday and next Tuesday as part of their preparations for this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
England squad in full
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
(Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
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