The Gunners cannot catch a break as Saka becomes the latest to withdraw from his national team squad in a huge blow for Arsenal
Arsenal have been dealt a double blow on the international front as key players Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes suffer injuries, disrupting their preparations for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Saka pulls out of England squad
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been forced to withdraw from the England squad due to injury, adding to the Gunners' growing list of absentees.
Saka's absence comes at a critical juncture as Arsenal navigates their way through a highly competitive Premier League season and prepares for a pivotal Champions League quarter-final showdown with Bayern Munich.
The Football Association confirmed Saka's departure from the England camp, citing his inability to participate in training due to the injury. This setback sidelines him for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, the final opportunities for Gareth Southgate to assess his squad before announcing the Euro 2024 squad in May.
Arsenal's immediate focus shifts to the top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 31. Saka's absence adds to the challenges facing manager Mikel Arteta as he navigates a crucial phase of the season.
Saka joins Gabriel on injury list
In addition to Saka, Arsenal faces another setback with the injury to defender Gabriel. The Brazilian center-back has been ruled out of the upcoming friendly fixtures for Brazil, further exacerbating Arsenal's injury concerns.
Brazilian manager Dorival Junior confirmed Gabriel's withdrawal from the squad, emphasizing the unfortunate nature of the situation. With Gabriel sidelined, Brazil has called up Bremer from Juventus as his replacement.
As Arsenal contends with the repercussions of the international break, the focus turns to managing the injuries and maximizing the squad's depth in the pivotal fixtures ahead. The absence of key players like Saka and Gabriel poses a significant challenge, but the Gunners will look to regroup and maintain their momentum in the ongoing competitions.