Southgate hopes Saka could face Italy and asks FA medics to assess injury

Gareth Southgate is hopeful that Bukayo Saka will be available for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy next Tuesday despite the winger missing Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City with a hamstring injury.

Saka is due to report for England duty on Monday afternoon but Arsenal have misgivings over him not being allowed to rest during the international break. Mikel Arteta made his feelings on the matter clear after Sunday’s game against City, saying the 22-year-old “was not available to play football at the moment” and would not be fit to represent his country.

However England are entitled to insist that Saka, who sustained a slight hamstring strain during Arsenal’s defeat at Lens last week, join up with the squad before being assessed by their medical staff.

Saka, whose record-breaking run of 87 consecutive starts in the Premier League ended on Sunday, has established himself as a key player for Southgate. England sit top of Group A with 13 points from five games and Southgate wants to name his strongest possible side when Italy visit Wembley. Although Saka is unlikely to be risked for England’s friendly against Australia on Friday, it would be a boost if he were in contention to face Italy.

Arsenal would prefer that Saka focus on his recovery over the next fortnight. Southgate has found himself in the position of having to plead with Arsenal to trust him with the wellbeing of their player.

“The clubs have trust in us that we make decisions that are right for the long term whenever we can,” England’s manager said after naming his squad last week. “We only have 10 matches a year. And there’s been times when Bukayo, for example, hasn’t always played.

“But there are certain key games where, if it’s possible to have your best players, then you do want to have them. We’ve got that responsibility of qualifying for the country but … I’ve been a player … I’ve never, ever taken a risk on a player’s physical wellbeing. And nor would I.”

Southgate, whose alternative wide options include Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, has also placed stock in players joining the England camp even when injured.

Saka could still take part in key team meetings even if he is not fit. Jude Bellingham reported for duty before last summer’s qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia despite being injured.

History will be made when England face Australia, with Stéphanie Frappart set to become the first female referee to take charge of a men’s international match at Wembley. Frappart led the first all-female refereeing team at a men’s World Cup when she officiated Germany v Costa Rica in Qatar last year.