Bukayo Saka ‘likely to MISS England’s friendly with Romania due to minor hip injury with the FA assessing the extent of the issue’ with Croatia clash just a week away
Bukayo Saka is reportedly set to miss England’s final warm-up match for the European Championship with a minor hip injury, with their first fixture against Croatia a week away.
Arsenal star Saka, 19, played the full match in England’s first of two friendlies against Austria on Wednesday, scoring the winning goal – his opening international strike.
But according to the Athletic, the winger has since picked up a hip niggle and will miss Sunday’s match against Romania at the Riverside Stadium, with the FA assessing the extent of the damage ahead of the tournament starting next week.
Bukayo Saka (above) is reportedly set to miss England’s final warm-up match with a hip injury
Saka, 19, scored the winning goal as England beat Austria 1-0 in the first warm-up on Monday
The competition begins on Friday 11, with England’s first match in seven days on Sunday June 13 against Croatia in a rematch of the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
However, it is understood there is no indication currently that Saka’s knock will keep him out of the Euros.
Moreover, due to the intense pre-tournament training schedule, it is unlikely England’s players would have significantly featured in both friendlies in any case, with boss Gareth Southgate keen to rest, rotate and use most of his squad.
But there is no indication currently that the Gunners star will miss the Euro 2020 tournament
England boss Gareth Southgate is already contending with several injuries to key players
Saka had previously missed the Gunners’ Premier League match in January due to a hip injury, but is thought to be likely to feature during the tournament, although he is unlikely to be a starter.
Southgate also has several other injury concerns to deal with, given Trent Alexander-Arnold has already withdrawn from the squad with a thigh injury; his replacement will be named after the Romania match.
Liverpool and Manchester United captains Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire – both senior figures in the set-up and likely starters when fully fit – are coming back from long-term injuries and it is unclear whether they will be ready to face Croatia.
