Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will not be available for England’s upcoming matches against Australia and Italy due to injury.
The 22-year-old wasn’t part of the Gunners team that defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the crucial goal that condemned City to their second Premier League defeat of the season.
While talking to the media after the match, Arteta confirmed Saka will miss England’s upcoming fixtures this month.
He said (as per football.london)“No, he could not make the training session so he’s going to be out. He’s not going to be available.”
Saka has been a key player for Arsenal over the last few years.
He started 37 out of 38 league matches last season and has been in the starting XI in the first seven league games this term.
This has raised concerns that he is being overworked by Arteta. After hobbling off against Tottenham Hotspur, Saka was declared fit for the Bournemouth clash.
However, he struggled during the game and was forced off through injury in the second half.
There were concerns the talented winger wouldn’t be able to start against RC Lens in the Champions League in midweek.
But Arteta once again named him in the starting XI only to take him off after just 30 minutes in France.
Saka’s fitness was a big talking point ahead of Arsenal’s blockbuster clash with Man City on Sunday and he missed the game.
He will now miss England’s upcoming matches, and it is unclear when he will return to action.