Bukayo Saka: Why Arsenal Star Has Withdrawn from England Squad for Brazil, Belgium Friendlies

• Bukayo Saka has left the England camp with an unspecified injury
• His withdrawal comes as Arsenal prepare for a dramatic end to the season
• The Three Lions will also be without Harry Kane for their match against Brazil

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has pulled out of the England squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Saka has established himself as a key figure in Gareth Southgate's England team, but he will miss the Euro 2024 warm-up matches due to an unspecified injury.

The games against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday and Belgium at the same venue next Tuesday are England's last outings before Southgate announces his Euro squad in May.

Saka's withdrawal comes as Arsenal prepare for a dramatic end to the season.

Belgium extend coach Tedesco's contract until 2026 World Cup

Football

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League and face a Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.

"Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation," a Football Association statement said on Thursday via Supersport.

"The Arsenal forward reported to St George's Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training.

"No further replacements are planned as a 25-man England squad continue their preparation for the forthcoming internationals with Brazil and Belgium."

Prior to leaving the squad, Saka had been working indoors on an individual programme along with Harry Kane, Cole Palmer and Jordan Henderson.

Saka gifts Wizkid Arsenal jersey

Sports Brief reported on Saka gifting Wizkid an Arsenal jersey after linking up with the Grammy Award winner following the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Liverpool in February.

The academy graduate is of Nigerian descent and was in Africa last year following the team's Premier League late collapse, which saw Manchester City win their third consecutive title.

Vinicius condemns racist chants before Atletico Champions League game

Football

Ferdinand downplays Saka's status

Sports Brief also previously reported on Rio Ferdinand claiming Saka isn't world-class despite his top performances for Arsenal and England in past seasons.

The Man United legend added what the Arsenal academy star needs to do to have a place among world-class players, a feat the club has not achieved before.