after injury worries, Bukayo Saka was selected for England’s squad. Jarrod Bowen and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins were both called back. James Ward-Prowse, after a strong start to the season with West Ham, was once again left out. Raheem Sterling was also absent. England will play Australia and Italy.
Despite injury worries, Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka has been named to England’s squad for their October matches against Australia and Italy. Jarrod Bowen of West Ham and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa also receive recalls to Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Before Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Man City, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted that Saka’s injury was “a worry” after the 22-year-old hobbled off while holding his leg during Tuesday night’s Champions League Group B meeting at French side Lens.
Saka is still being evaluated by Arsenal, but Southgate believes he is healthy enough to play in both the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy and the friendly against Australia.
In response to a question about the injury from TV 2 Sport in Norway, Arteta said: “It doesn’t look good.”
He attempted to backheel a ball in the first half, Arteta continued. He had an impression. He had muscle. We were forced to remove him since he was uncomfortable.
“We don’t have any other information. It was significant enough that he couldn’t continue the game, which worries us.
When asked if Saka would be available to battle City, Arteta responded, “I have no idea. I’m not sure.
Saka has started each of Arsenal’s past 87 Premier League games in a row, a club record that dates back to May 2021. Saka has been a constant for Arsenal.
He was taken out with a foot injury late in Saturday’s 4-0 league victory against Bournemouth, but doctors determined he was healthy enough to start on Tuesday.
When questioned if he regretted choosing Saka to face Lens, Arteta responded, “No. He recently received a knock, yet he was unharmed by it. It was a backheel, which can result in that kind of damage. Let’s assess the situation’s scope before it is too late.
“The recent ones have been more like blows than anything else. Really, he hasn’t missed any games. Last week, we just gave him a break against Brentford.
Prior to Sunday’s match between the two teams who battled for the Premier League championship last season, the England international’s fitness will be a major concern.
Treble-winners In their most recent league encounter, City easily defeated Arsenal, winning 4-1 at the Etihad in April before going on to win their third straight league title.
However, Rodri won’t be playing for Pep Guardiola’s team against Arsenal since the midfielder received a straight red card against Nottingham Forest and must serve the last match of a three-match suspension.
Arsenal cannot afford to lose Bukayo Saka to injury; almost everyone else can be replaced.
The Arsenal winger’s absolute need on the team was demonstrated in their loss against Lens. The Gunners’ tyre went flat as soon as Saka left the pitch.
Saka is the Premier League player with the most one-on-ones this season; he persistently pursues these solitary encounters with the full-back and averages 14 per Premier League game.
On Tuesday, however, his replacement Fabio Vieira only made one attempt to get around his opponent.
On the other side, Gabriel Martinelli and Saka have comparable numbers. Leandro Trossard is a suitable replacement for the Brazilian, but more is required given Manchester City’s visit on Sunday.
And Mikel Arteta is aware of it. “The two wingers that we are missing, they give us a lot of threat,” he stated following the loss to Lens. And it’s distinct from other attributes the squad possesses.
It appears that the team announcement may have an impact on Arsenal’s chances of defeating Man City on Sunday.
