Bukayo Saka will not feature for England against Brazil at Wembley (Picture: Getty)
England will be without both Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka for Saturday’s prestige friendly against Brazil at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate is in the midst of finalsing his plans ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 Championships, but will be forced to contend without two players who have played pivotal roles in the success the Three Lions have enjoyed at recent major tournaments.
So, why won’t the two star players be in the lineup for this weekend’s friendly, and when could they be back in action?
Why is Harry Kane not playing for England?
England skipper Kane injured his ankle colliding with a post during Bayern Munich’s win over Darmstadt last weekend.
The 30-year-old trained separately from the first team squad earlier this week and hasn’t recovered sufficiently in time to feature against Brazil this evening.
The former Spurs star is set to remain with the squad, however, and could yet feature against Belgium in midweek.
The England boss rated Kane’s chances of featuring against the Red Devils as ‘extremely doubtful’ and considered whether the increasing demands on players are affecting availability.
‘Everyone wants simple solutions to complex problems,’ he said. ‘Some players have just been unfortunate. Kane’s injury was when he crashed into the net at the weekend and it’s forced the mechanism with his ankle.
Harry Kane has an outside chance of featuring against Belgium (Picture: Getty)
Kobbie Mainoo is in line to make his senior England debut (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s had a winter break and he’s not playing in our league.
‘Some players have had runs of injuries, some have perhaps played too many games too quickly after coming back from injuries.
‘The intensity of the games could be an aspect. Additional minutes in the games could be an aspect. What’s clear is we’ve got a long list of 40-odd players and a third are unavailable for tomorrow’s game, which is the highest we’ve ever had.’
Why is Bakayo Saka not playing for England?
Saka, meanwhile, has suffered what appears to be a more serious injury given the decision that was taken by the England medical staff on Thursday.
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The Arsenal winger, suffering from a muscle injury, returned to the north London club where he will be monitored ahead of next Sunday’s Premier League summit meeting with Manchester City.
Southgate will, at least, get a chance to see Kobbie Mainoo in an England shirt for the first time after he opted to renege on his initial decision to leave the Manchester United teenager out of his squad.
‘We like him as a player, Southgate said at his pre-match press conference. ‘We were mindful of his age.
‘With any young player, you’re wanting to make those steps at the right time. But with the issues we’ve had with Hendo as well this week, he’s the next one in. He’s made a really good impression on us.’