Arsenal handed major injury fear as key star withdraws from international duty

Arsenal have been handed a potential injury setback with one of their key stars withdrawing from international duty. That key star is Bukayo Saka, with the winger returning to North London after leaving the England camp sooner than planned.

Saka was due to compete in two international friendlies with the Three Lions, with Gareth Southgate's men taking on Brazil and Belgium within the next week as part of their Euro 2024 preparations. But it has now been confirmed that Saka has been forced to withdraw, seemingly through injury given he did not take part in any of Wednesday's training sessions. He was present for sessions earlier in the week.

The winger's absence will be a blow for Southgate, who will only see his England side in action two more times after this break, with two friendlies scheduled for June ahead of Euro 2024 kicking off just a matter of days later.

As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will be concerned about the return of the 22-year-old, particularly with the potentially title-defining clash with Manchester City awaiting after the international break. Beyond that, Arsenal have a crucial title run-in that will be uninterrupted from the end of this break, and he will be desperate to have one of his most important players fit.

Saka has scored 16 and assisted 13 across all competitions this season, forming a key part of the Gunners' title bid. He played 90 minutes in Arsenal's last Premier League outing and 120 minutes in their Champions League win over FC Porto. Arsenal will now assess the Saka situation in house with the Manchester City clash just 10 days away.