Arsenal's Bukayo Saka pulls out of England squad with COVID-19

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 24 March 2022

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka withdraws from the England squad for March's international friendlies after testing positive for COVID-19.

England have confirmed that Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the squad for March's friendlies after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Arsenal attacker was taken ill after arriving at St George's Park earlier this week and was not present for training on Wednesday or Thursday, with the Three Lions taking on Switzerland at Wembley in two days' time.

Saka reportedly returned negative coronavirus tests when he first contracted his illness, but England have now revealed that the 20-year-old is COVID-positive and has withdrawn from the team.

A statement read: "Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for COVID-19. The Arsenal player has 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 against Switzerland, an Alzheimer's Society International, on Saturday 26 March (5.30pm kick-off) and Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday 29 March (7.45pm kick-off) at Wembley Stadium connected by EE."

Gareth Southgate has now lost six players to injury or illness this month, with Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Sam Johnstone also pulling out.

Saka has amassed four goals and four assists from 14 games in an England shirt and has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month for March.