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Bukayo Saka withdraws from England squad after testing positive for Covid-19

Bukayo Saka had been isolating at St George's Park since Wednesday but has now returned home; no replacement will be called up; England play Switzerland on Saturday - live on Sky Sports

Bukayo Saka has been in fine form for Arsenal
Image: Bukayo Saka had been in fine form for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad after testing positive for Covid-19.

Saka trained with his England team-mates on Tuesday but had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St George's Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.

Saka tweeted: "I am gutted to withdraw from @England camp but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.

"I'll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can't wait to be being back doing what I love soon"

England boss Gareth Southgate has had to deal with a number of withdrawals since naming his 25-man squad last Thursday, but will not be calling up a replacement for the Arsenal forward.

Saka is the sixth player to withdraw from the squad after Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Aaron Ramsdale were ruled out through injury on Monday.

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The uncapped duo of Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell were brought in along with Ollie Watkins and Sam Johnstone, only for the latter to then withdraw as Fraser Forster was called in.

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England kick off their World Cup preparations with a home friendly against Switzerland on Saturday, before welcoming the Ivory Coast to Wembley on Tuesday evening.

A statement from The Football Association read: "Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for Covid-19.

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"The Arsenal player had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St George's Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.

"No further replacements are planned with a squad of 24 in place for the forthcoming fixtures."

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