Arsenal Duo Pull Out Of International Squad In Huge Relief For Arteta

By The Editor
on 11th November 2024

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice given a breather…

Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have dropped out of the England squad for the upcoming international break after picking up knocks in Sunday’s game at Chelsea.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice among players to pull out of the England squad.

— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) November 11, 2024

Rice was carrying a foot problem heading into the fixture having missed last week’s clash against Inter Milan and the 25-year-old was substituted shortly after the hour mark.

The former West Ham United skipper was in visible pain as he made his way to the bench to be replaced by Mikel Merino as we sought a winner.

Saka was forced off 10 minutes before full-time following a heavy challenge from Marc Cucurella and while both players are carrying knocks, one wonders if England and Arsenal have come to an understanding to focus on player welfare.

The aforementioned duo played almost every minute of England’s European Champion campaign last summer and, after a short holiday, were thrown straight into Premier League action.

They have also been called up to the previous England squads, with Saka picking up a hamstring injury which caused him to miss a few games for us.

After a very difficult run of results and a demanding schedule, Arteta will be happy that two of his most important players can rest and recuperate in London ahead of our next league game.

We host Nottingham Forest in just under a fortnight as we look to go on a substantial run that’s now required to close the nine-point gap to Liverpool.