Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been sidelined from England’s upcoming matches against Australia and Italy due to an injury.
The young forward was unable to participate in his team’s recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City due to a hamstring injury.
Following an evaluation by England’s medical staff, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed his withdrawal from the squad. No replacement will be added, leaving the squad with a total of 25 players.
England is scheduled to play against Australia on October 13, followed by a European Championship qualifier against Italy four days later.
“No, he will not make it,” said Gunners boss Arteta after Sunday’s game. “He has not trained for a single session.”
While he would not disclose the likely length of Saka’s spell on the sidelines, Arteta added, “He is not available to play football at the moment.”
Saka’s absence on Sunday ended a run of 87 consecutive Premier League games in which Arteta had played the 22-year-old winger.
He has been struggling with his hamstring in recent weeks, limping off during Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League loss at Lens on Tuesday and being withdrawn in last weekend’s victory at Bournemouth.
England manager Gareth Southgate said last Thursday he would take no risks with Saka, despite England being able to qualify for next summer’s European Championship during this international break.
“We’ve got that responsibility of qualifying for the country, but I’ve been a player. I’ve never ever taken a risk on a player’s physical wellbeing, and nor would I,” said Southgate.
“They [Premier League clubs] have trust in us that we make decisions that are right for the long term whenever we can.”