Rashford, Saka pull out of England squad with injuries

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford [Pool via REUTERS/Peter Powell]

Gareth Southgate has suffered a double blow after Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka pulled out of the squad with injuries.

Rashford has returned to Manchester United for further treatment which had kept him out England’s win over San Marino.

Arsenal starlet Saka will also not go to Albania or play against Poland in the other World Cup qualifiers because he has been suffering a hamstring injury.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, top, challenges for the ball with Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. (Shaun Botterill, Pool via AP)

That is a blow for England boss Southgate whose team fly to Albania on Saturday with wholesale changes likely.

The FA statement said: “Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka will play no part in England’s forthcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Saka had remained at Arsenal for further assessment on an ongoing issue with the hope of joining up with the Three Lions but will now not be available for the fixtures against Albania and Poland.”