Gareth Southgate has been dealt another injury blow with the news that Bukayo Saka is unavailable to face Romania due to a hip injury.
The 19-year-old impressed during England’s 1-0 win over Austria on Wednesday night, scoring the game’s only goal during the second half.
However, he has joined Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson on England’s injury list after suffering a hip problem.
Although Saka will be unable to play in England’s final warm-up game ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia next Sunday, it is not understood to be a serious injury.
As a result, it is unlikely that Saka will be withdrawn from the squad, as Trent Alexander-Arnold was in midweek after suffering a thigh tear against Austria.
Nevertheless, the news is a blow to Southgate given England’s current injury issues.
Both Henderson and Maguire would feature in Southgate’s first-choice team, but they have been carrying injuries and lack match sharpness ahead of the tournament.
Henderson could be in line to feature for the first time since February against Romania, though, with Southgate confirming that he has had a “positive” couple of days training.
“The plan, as it was on Wednesday, is that he’ll be involved in the game,” Southgate said.
“The last two or three days’ training have been a lot more positive for him. I think the confidence of having a scan that showed no issues has helped him to push forward with his rehabilitation and his training.”
Southgate is less confident about Maguire’s condition, however. The Manchester United captain has been sidelined for the past month after injuring his ankle against Aston Villa.
“Our medical team are pleased with his progress, particularly over the last couple of days,” Southgate said. “But of course there is always that risk with any injury that you only have to have one minor setback – and two or three days here or there really, really affects those timelines.
“I’m very realistic about that and we’ve picked a squad on the basis that, if we didn’t have him, we’ve got players to come in. If he’s able to be fit and available then that’s a bonus for us.”
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3v2Gcic
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