'Not good': Mikel Arteta casts major doubts on England availability for Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice as Arsenal pair limp

By premiernews On Nov 10, 2024

Mikel Arteta says he does not expect Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice to be fit for England's Nations League matches later this month.

The Arsenal pair faced Chelsea in a 1-1 Premier League draw on Sunday afternoon but were unable to complete the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Saka limped during Arsenal's clash with ChelseaCredit: Getty

It came after a strong entrance from CucurellaCredit: Getty

Trying to force a breakthrough in the final ten minutes of the game, Saka collected the ball on the right wing and tried to get away from Marc Cucurella.

However, they beat him and left him crumpled on the ground.

After getting up to continue playing, Saka fell once again, clutching his shin and appearing to be in some discomfort.

Following Arsenal's medical advice, the decision was made for Saka to come off and be replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

Declan Rice also came off at the start of the second half, being replaced by Mikel Merino.

Responding to the injuries suffered by both Saka and Rice, Arteta told Sky Sports: “To be fair, they don't look good.

“They couldn't finish the game, not at all well.”

Speaking to talkSPORT, Arteta added: “They couldn't finish the game. They weren't feeling good at all. So they asked to be substituted. That's the news.”

And in his post-match press conference, Arteta said: “Two players who have just come out? I don't expect them to be fit, because if they were, they wouldn't have come out.”

Saka's injury will be a concern as it comes a month after receiving a similar knock while on England duty.

Arsenal missed the chance to score the winning goal with the last kick of the gameCredit: Getty

Saka played 51 minutes against Greece last month and then missed England's clash against Finland, before missing Arsenal's games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Bournemouth.

So far this season, Saka has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 14 games for the Gunners.

While he captained the team against Liverpool and Newcastle, the 23-year-old's withdrawal against Chelsea will be a concern.

Darren Bent, Clive Palmer and Adrian Clarke believe Bukayo Saka deserves more credit at Arsenal and believe he is underrated

Saka has been called up for England's upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.

However, it remains to be seen how serious the injury will be and whether it will affect his availability.

Meanwhile, Rice missed Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday night with a knock, but was unable to complete the draw against Chelsea.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer was also seen limping after the match, but Blues manager Enzo Maresca was non-committal when asked about the former Manchester City star's availability for England.

Rice is also gone and England will be sweating their formCredit: Getty

Palmer wasn't at his best on Sunday, but he may have been playing through the pain barrier.Credit: Getty

“I don't know. We knew until the end there were doubts, but he was pretty good,” Maresca said.

“It was painful, but we'll see.”

The Gunners were unable to return to winning ways and earned a 1-1 draw against the Blues.

A cheeky finish from Gabriel Martinelli gave them the lead, but Pedro Neto's low shot from distance ensured honors were level, leaving Arsenal nine points off the top of the Premier League.

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