Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka will not feature for England during the October international break

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will not be available for selection during the October international break for England.

The Three Lions face Australia in a friendly on Friday (October 13) before resuming their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a match against Italy four days later.

England manager Gareth Southgate included Saka in his latest squad for the two games even though the Arsenal star picked up a knock against RC Lens during the week and was an injury doubt heading into this weekend.

The 22-year-old was not included in the matchday squad for the game against Manchester City on Sunday despite reportedly training this morning.

Arteta insists Saka has not trained at all and will not be linking up with his international teammates.

“No, he could not make it,” the Gunners boss replied when asked after the game on Sunday whether the Hale End academy graduate will be joining up with England.

“He has not had a single training session, so he will be out.

“He’s not available to play football at the moment.”

Saka limped off for the third game running against the Ligue 1 side having failed to finish the games against Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth, and he needs a much-deserved rest right now.

He had been involved in 87 consecutive Premier League games before today, and those run of games and international fixtures have taken their toll on the youngster.

He is expected to be fit when Arsenal return to action on October 21 with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

England will have to do without Saka this month, and they have enough options on the wings to get the job done against Italy.

The Gunners need Saka more than ever this season as they look to challenge for the title and other major honours, and having him fit for the rest of the campaign will go a long way.