Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire have joined Harry Kane in pulling out of the England squad with injury, ruling themselves out of their upcoming friendly with Belgium.
The March international break always comes with a discussion about player availability. The run-in towards the end of the season is fast approaching and club managers are sometimes cautious about letting their players go and play for their countries.
Here are some players who had to pull out during the break, and may be doubts for the weekend’s fixtures:
Kyle Walker
All eyes are on the big clash between Manchester City and Arsenal this weekend. In the wider context, England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium seem less important. So when Kyle Walker pulled up in the 20th minute against Brazil, he was subbed as a precaution. Pep Guardiola sees Walker as a key man for City, and will not want him to be unavailable as City enter the title showdown with Arsenal and Liverpool. Walker has been ruled out of the Belgium game and has returned to Manchester.
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry Maguire
Harry Maguire, like Walker, has been ruled out of England’s next friendly. He was subbed off in the second half, and ahead of a big game for Manchester United against Brentford this weekend, he has returned to Carrington as a precaution. United still have eyes on finishing in the top four and Erik ten Hag will need a fully fit Maguire, amid all United’s other injury issues this season.
Bukayo Saka
One of Arsenal’s most important players, Bukayo Saka, was sent home from international duty, with the winger reportedly carrying a knock for a number of weeks. Saka was ruled out of both England friendlies. It was deemed as a precaution, but Saka has bigger fish to fry with Arsenal as they go in search of their first Premier League title in 20 years, whilst also having a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich to contend with.
Kevin de Bruyne
Embed from Getty ImagesCity’s talisman was not called up for Belgium ahead of the March internationals, due to an apparent groin strain. The midfielder was substituted in City’s last game against Liverpool. De Bruyne’s absence from the national side may be a blessing in disguise for Guardiola, as City are still in contention to win three trophies this season.
Mohamed Salah
After much speculation, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was not included in the Egypt squad after he and his club asked for him to not play while he recovers from a hamstring injury. Since the start of the year, Salah has been in and out the team with AFCON and a couple of injury issues. Liverpool will want their most important player ready to go for a gruelling rest of the campaign, so sitting out this round of international games could benefit Liverpool.
