Bukayo Saka’s England exit possibly influenced by fate of Arsenal vs Manchester City

Bukayo Saka has been withdrawn from the England squad ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Premier League showdown.

The Arsenal winger was initially called up to Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad last week but will now return to London for the remainder of the international break as the Premier League clash with Pep Guardiola’s side approaches.

“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.

City will head into the crucial Premier League showdown just one point behind Saka’s side, having defeated the Emirates outfit in the final weeks of the Premier League title race last season. While the Gunners managed a 1-0 victory over City in the reverse fixture at The Emirates earlier in the season, losing Saka would be a significant blow to their chances of securing an unlikely double over the Treble winners.

According to football insider Con Harrison, sources close to Saka have indicated that his removal from the England squad was a precautionary measure due to muscle tightness. The reports suggest that Saka ‘should be fine’ but will be closely monitored in the coming days as he returns to Arsenal’s training ground for further evaluation.

City has also faced injury concerns, with Erling Haaland seen limping out of Norway training recently. However, the team doctor reassured the media that the striker is doing well. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish is reportedly recovering from another muscular injury and has rejoined City training this week. Pep Guardiola has mentioned that Grealish could potentially be involved in the upcoming Arsenal clash at the end of the month.