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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Bukayo Saka: FA expect Arsenal star to report for England duty despite Mikel Arteta injury claim

The Football Association (FA) expect Bukayo Saka to report for England duty, despite Mikel Arteta ruling him out of contention following Arsenal's win over Manchester City.

Saka's record-breaking run of 87 consecutive Premier League appearances came to an end when he was left out of the squad for Arsenal's statement 1-0 victory over the champions, having suffered a slight hamstring injury during last week's Champions League defeat in Lens.

Talks between Arsenal and England were continuing on Monday morning but the FA expected Saka to report to St George's Park as planned, where he would be assessed by medical staff.

As a key member of Gareth Southgate's squad, Saka could still spend time in camp over the next fortnight, during which time the manager will hold key meetings, even if he is not fit for Friday's friendly against Australia and the European Championship qualifier against Italy.

Asked after the City game if Saka would go away with the national team, Arsenal boss Arteta said: "No, he couldn’t make it.

"He hasn’t had a single training session, so he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment."

Sidelined: Bukayo Saka was not involved as Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Emirates (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Saka, 22, has struggled with a series of knocks this season and was forced off in both the Gunners' previous two League games before City, against Tottenham and Bournemouth.

The club would prefer the forward to rest for the duration of the international break to avoid him aggravating his hamstring, although he is expected to be fit when the Gunners return to action against rivals Chelsea on October 21.

Arsenal are holding similar talks with Belgium over Leandro Trossard after the forward felt his hamstring in the first half against City and was replaced at the interval by match-winner Gabriel Martinelli.

William Saliba withdrew from the French squad on Sunday evening with a toe injury after playing a key role against City.

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