Arsenal forward out of International duty with England

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka will miss more than just the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed that the winger will not make England’s October international break fixtures, saying he’s unavailable.

England has a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy and another international friendly against Australia, but Gareth Southgate will have to do without the player who has contributed four goals and two assists for Arsenal in seven Premier League games.

Arsenal’s manager revealed this, stating that he has not trained and will not play football for a while, just as the English national team confirmed his absence from the national team without replacement.

“Bukayo Saka will play no part in England’s fixtures with Australia and Italy. The forward reported to St. George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad,” an England statement read. “No, he will not make it. He has not trained for a single session. He is not available to play football at the moment.” Arteta said.

Arsenal were without Saka for the first time in a long while when they hosted Manchester City as a deflected strike from Gabrielle Martinelli in the 86th minute secured the win for the Gunners, who go into the international break unbeaten and level on points with Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table.

Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate will not replace Bukayo Saka in the 26-man list for the international games.

England squad for Italy and Australia.

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders: Levi Colwill, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Eddie Nketiah, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu