Bukayo Saka out of England squad after positive Covid test
The Arsenal winger is the sixth player to drop out of the friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bukayo Saka has left the England squad after testing positive for Covid-19.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has had to deal with a number of withdrawals since naming his 25-man squad last Thursday.
Saka has become the latest to leave the group taking on Switzerland and the Ivory Coast after returning a positive coronavirus result.
A statement from the Football Association read: “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for Covid-19.
“The Arsenal player had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St George’s Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.
“No further replacements are planned with a squad of 24 in place for the forthcoming fixtures.”
Saka tweeted: “I am gutted to withdraw from @England camp but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.
“I’ll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can’t wait to be being back doing what I love soon”
Arsenal forward Saka, who trained with the group on Tuesday, is the sixth player to drop out of the England camp.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Aaron Ramsdale were ruled out through injury on Monday.
The uncapped duo of Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell were brought in along with Ollie Watkins and Sam Johnstone, only for the latter to then withdraw as Fraser Forster was called in.
England kick off their World Cup preparations with a home friendly against Switzerland on Saturday, before welcoming the Ivory Coast to Wembley on Tuesday evening.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments