Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad for October's internationals due to a hamstring injury.
The 22-year-old has been nursing a hamstring injury since Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lens, where he was substituted in the first half of a 2-1 defeat.
Mikel Arteta's decision to name Saka in the starting XI drew criticism, as the winger had previously limped off in successive Premier League clashes with Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur.
Saka's injury came five days before the Gunners welcomed Manchester City to the Emirates, and Arteta understandably kept the nature of his injury under wraps, but he was called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate last Thursday.
Arteta then told reporters on Friday that Saka was "in contention" to face the champions, and he was seen arriving with the rest of the squad, fuelling optimism of a quicker-than-expected recovery.
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However, Arteta was ostensibly just playing mind games with his former club, as Saka did not make the squad for that 1-0 victory, where Gabriel Martinelli shook off his own hamstring concern to score the decisive goal.
Following the game, Arteta insisted that Saka would not be able to play for his country this month, although he still reported for international duty at St George's Park on Monday to undergo assessments.
A report from The Guardian claimed that Southgate was hopeful that Saka would be ready for England's second game of the month against Italy, whereas Arsenal wanted him to enjoy a complete break over the next fortnight.
The Gunners have got their wish, as England announced on Monday evening that Saka was forced to pull out of the squad, and Southgate is not planning to call up a replacement.
"Bukayo Saka will play no part in England's fixtures with Australia and Italy. The forward reported to St. George's Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions' squad," a statement read.
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"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 the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club. No replacements are planned with Gareth Southgate having a squad of 25 players to work with."
Prior to missing Sunday's success over Man City, Saka had appeared in a club-record 87 Premier League games for Arsenal, who are hopeful that he will be able to face Chelsea on October 21, according to the Evening Standard.
The 22-year-old became the first player in Europe's top five leagues this season to register five goals and five assists against Lens last week, setting up Gabriel Jesus's opener at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis before being withdrawn.
Saka joins Luke Shaw, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Tyrone Mings, Callum Wilson and Eberechi Eze on England's injury list, and Southgate has opted not to call upon in-form Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling to replace the Arsenal man.
England are back in action in Friday's friendly with Australia at Wembley before welcoming Italy to the capital for a Euro 2024 qualifier on October 17.
Ben Knapton
