Arsenal striker Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of international duty through injury, so he will not be in the England squad to face Italy in their EURO 2024 qualifier.
The Azzurri are set to play against Malta on October 14 and then visit England on October 17.
Saka was called up by manager Gareth Southgate and one of the form players in the team, but he missed Arsenal’s win over Manchester City today in the Premier League.
Speaking in a press conference after the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta announced that Saka will not be fit enough to accept the call for international duty.
It is a big loss, as the 22-year-old winger has 11 goals in 30 senior caps for England, along with seven assists for his teammates.
England are due to play Australia in a friendly on Friday October 13 before hosting Italy at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday October 17.
England are top of the EURO 2024 qualifying group with 13 points from five games, followed by Italy on seven points from four matches.
Ukraine and North Macedonia also have seven points, but have played five games already.