England will be without both Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka for Saturday’s prestige friendly against Brazil at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate is in the process of finalizing his plans for this summer's Euro 2024 Championships finalsing his plans ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 Championships, but will be forced to contend without two players who have played crucial roles in the Three Lions' recent tournament success.
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 captain Kane injured his ankle hitting a post during Bayern Munich’s victory over Darmstadt last weekend.
The 30-year-old trained separately from the first team earlier this week and hasn’t recovered enough in time to play against Brazil this evening.
The former Spurs player is set to stay with the squad, but could still play against Belgium in midweek.
The England manager considered Kane's chances of playing against the Red Devils as 'extremely doubtful' and pondered 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.
‘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, on the other hand, has suffered what seems to be a more serious injury given the decision made by the England medical staff on Thursday.
The Arsenal winger, dealing with a muscle injury, returned to the north London club where he will be monitored before 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 reverse 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.’
