England star ruled out of Brazil and Belgium fixtures one week before key title race clash

England will be without one of their most influential players for their upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.

Bukayo Saka is expected to withdraw from the England squad according to reports, with Gareth Southgate set to be without the forward for England's final games before the official Euro 2024 squad announcement.

The absence of the Arsenal star from group training on Wednesday has raised concerns, with reports indicating his departure from Southgate's squad.

As of now, the Football Association (FA) has not officially confirmed Saka's withdrawal, leaving uncertainty about its potential impact on Arsenal's pursuit of success in the Premier League title race and the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta's men have their biggest league match of the season next week, as they travel to the Premier League holders Manchester City in a bid to keep their place at the top of the table.

Saka was undergoing a personal training program indoors at St George's Park prior to this news and it is currently unknown how serious a problem the 22-year-old has.

Arsenal fans will be desperate for positive news surrounding their number seven, as he is far and away the clubs top scorer this season in the Premier League with 13 goals up to this point. Five more than second placed Kai Havertz who has recently turned his form around in recent months.

As previously mentioned, Saka and his Arsenal side currently lead the way at top of the division but they could go into the match at the Etihad behind rivals Liverpool who will have already played Brighton earlier in the day.

Saka and Bellingham- Getty

Saka's withdrawal will also have a damning impact on Gareth Southgate who I'm sure will have loved the chance to deploy one of his biggest assets ahead of the Euros in Germany this summer.

Saka really cemented his place on the international scene at the last Euro finals, and was influential for England at the 2022 World Cup making him one of the first names on the team sheet today.

Topics: England, Bukayo Saka, Gareth Southgate, Euro 2024, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester City

Tom Jenkins

Tom Jenkins is a Social Editor and Journalist for SPORTBible. Specialises in Football and F1 but has experience covering a variety of sports such as MMA, Boxing and Cricket. Suffers weekly as an Evertonian.

@tomjenkns