England winger Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of the upcoming matches against Australia and Italy due to a hamstring injury, the English Football Association (FA) announced on Monday.
The 22-year-old Arsenal star was included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad last week, but he missed Sunday’s 1-0 win against Manchester City in the Premier League after struggling with the injury during recent matches.
“The forward reported to St George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad,” the FA said in a statement. “Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided that the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.”
The FA added that no replacements are planned, with Southgate having a squad of 25 players to work with.
Saka, who has 14 caps and two goals for England, will miss Friday’s friendly against Australia at Wembley and the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy at the same venue on October 17.
The Arsenal academy product has been in fine form this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in nine appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
He was also one of England’s standout performers at Euro 2020, where he helped the team reach the final before missing a penalty in the shootout defeat to Italy.
