Gareth Southgate has said he is not quite sure why Bukayo Saka is unable to feature for England in their friendlies with Switzerland, tomorrow, and Ivory Coast, on Tuesday, following a positive Covid-19 test. The manager claimed that he is confused by the rules and pointed out that the Arsenal player would be allowed to continue in normal life under current government guidance.
The FA confirmed that Saka tested positive for the virus last night and he was sent home from the camp. But it is no longer law to isolate and, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Southgate said that he is "in a maze of confusion" around the rules but did acknowledge there is an ethical responsibility for someone infectious to stay away.
"I'm lost on the rules really," Southgate said. "I can't sit here and give a medical download of all that. I'm not quite sure why he is out because I think you can carry on now with normal life. I think people have an ethical responsibility if they're positive to stay away from others and stop the spread but by the normal rules of life he could carry on. Football rules are a bit different but I'm in a maze of confusion frankly."
READ MORE: Smith Rowe fitness update as Palace youngsters look for game time
Saka's clubmate Emile Smith Rowe is unlikely to feature due to a minor knock that has kept him out of training this week but he is still with the squad, while centre back Ben White is expected to feature at some stage against a Swiss team captained by Granit Xhaka. The goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was ruled out of the England squad earlier in the week on account a hip issue.
"Emile didn't train today so unlikely he'll be involved tomorrow," Southgate added. "Nothing too serious but we'll check to see if he'll be involved tomorrow. Raheem absolutely fine but it was a shame to lose Bukayo. We're back in that place with Covid where there's a spike. It's a shame. We'll have debuts this week, whether tomorrow or Tuesday. We want to put them in with experienced players so there's balance."
