Bukayo Saka Misses Arsenal's Next Game

Bukayo Saka will miss Arsenal's next game as England's World Cup campaign overlaps with the club's summer schedule.

What happened?

Saka helped England reach the World Cup quarter-finals with his assist against Mexico on a recent date.

He has been managing an Achilles problem, starting only two games in the tournament.

Declan Rice is also playing through neural hamstring pain, while Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have featured heavily for England.

Why it matters for Bukayo Saka

England's run in the World Cup complicates Arsenal's summer schedule, with the club's core English contingent sidelined due to a three-week mandatory holiday rule.

This rule applies to any international star after the conclusion of their World Cup campaign.

Saka, Rice, Eze, and Madueke will begin their holiday period if England is eliminated on July 11.

What comes next?

Arsenal opens their summer preparations against Girona on August 1, and Saka, Rice, Eze, or Madueke may miss this game.

If England advances to the semi-finals, they will almost certainly miss Arsenal's second pre-season fixture against Real Betis in Dublin on August 5.

Mikel Arteta, the manager, is expected to call on fringe and youth players for the trips to Spain and the Republic of Ireland.

Ethan Nwaneri, 19, may get senior opportunities, and the pre-season fixtures could serve as a shop window for players with uncertain futures.

Nwaneri has spent half a season on loan at Marseille, with his long-term future still undetermined despite signing a new contract in 2025.