Bukayo Saka finally breaks silence after England training omission amid Arsenal injury fears
Bukayo Saka has posted to his social media after it was revealed the Arsenal star missed England training on Monday.
Saka was joined by fellow team-mates Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad but he and several others, such as Levi Colwill and Callum Wilson, missed the first session at England’s St. George’s Park base.
The 22-year-old has continued to be an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team with the Gunners playing five games so far this season. Saka has played in every single one with 449 minutes spent on the pitch and two goals and one assist coming his way.
Despite enduring a quiet afternoon in the weekend victory against Manchester United, Saka took the corner that Rice rifled home deep into added time.
United full-back Diogo Dalot, given he was playing out of position, looked set for a difficult afternoon but the Portugal international prevented Saka from receiving the ball on the half turn on numerous occasions.
Following his quiet display and subsequent omission from England training, injury fears began to emerge from sections of the Arsenal fanbase. However, it has since been revealed Saka was part of the trio undertaking an individual session to manage his load following the first few weeks of the season.
Some claims also emerged that Saka was given the day off because it was his birthday, with the Hale End grad now taking to his Instagram page to celebrate the milestone. He wrote: “Thanking God for another year *praying emoji* appreciate all the birthday love and messages”.
Despite only just turning 22, Saka has already made 139 Premier League appearances for his boyhood club with 40 career goals at a senior level also to his name. Saka has also scored 11 goals while representing England and he will be hoping to add to that in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine this Saturday and the Scotland friendly that follows a few days later.
