Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England senior national squad after a Covid positive.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) speaks with Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka (L) during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 13, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) speaks with Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka (L) during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 13, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Evening Standard report that Bukayo Saka has now missed England training on multiple days with an illness. He’s been forced to remain in his room.

Saka has now confirmed the illness is Covid-19, and he’s withdrawn from the England squad altogether.

Saka had previously tested negative for Covid, and on Thursday morning there was still hope Saka could feature next Tuesday against the Ivory Coast. That’s no longer going to be possible.

Arsenal have been a bit unlucky with illness lately, with Gabriel Martinelli missing Saturday’s game against Aston Villa through a non-Covid sickness.

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LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / Getty Images)

It’s certainly a shame for Saka not to get a chance to show what he can do with England, given he’s in such strong form with Arsenal at the moment.

The 20-year-old has just received a nomination for Premier League Player of the Month, so there’s little doubt that he’s earned another international opportunity.

Arsenal fans will hope the winger’s withdrawal can allow him some rest and recovery, and at least the England fixtures are just friendlies.