MIKEL ARTETA has stated that he will provide a scan of Bukayo Saka’s injury to any individual who asserts that the winger is medically suitable to represent England.
Harry Kane, the captain of the Three Lions, expressed doubts regarding the dedication of certain players following the withdrawal of Saka and eight others from the most recent squad.
Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Bukayo Saka after he withdrew from England duty with injuryCredit: Getty
Saka scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: Getty
Saka scored for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury.
Boss Arteta said: “We can send them the MRI scan, it’s very simple.”
Saka scored one and made one in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Arteta added: “The communication was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team.
“He required time to recuperate.” He has participated in one training session.
Saka and his clubmate Declan Rice were included in Lee Carsley’s initial 26-man roster for the Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Greece.
In the 1-1 draw at Chelsea, both players were substituted.
England’s medical staff was informed of Saka’s scan results by Arsenal, and they recommended that the player remain with the Gunners for treatment.
Rice pulled out as he was playing with a broken toe.
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill also withdrew, as did Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, plus Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite — those five all played for their clubs yesterday.
Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) of Liverpool also called off Three Lions duty.
Kane, who was himself carrying a knock, did not hide his disappointment.
He had said: “England comes before anything. It comes before club.”
Palmer, 22, played 90 minutes before and after the international break.
But his Blues boss Enzo Maresca denies Chelsea are pressuring him to put club before country.
He snapped: “Absolutely not. I’m not thinking about Harry Kane, or what he’s saying.”
