England Squad Hit by Injuries, Saka and Palmer Among Those Withdrawn

Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are among the eight players to have withdrawn from the England squad due to injuries ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures this month.

Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Ramsdale, and Declan Rice are also sidelined for the matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

In response to these significant absences, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has received his first-ever call-up. The uncapped pair Tino Livramento and James Trafford have also been added to the squad, along with Jarrod Bowen and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Saka sustained a leg injury late in Arsenal's draw with Chelsea and was substituted in the 81st minute. His teammate Declan Rice, who started with a broken toe according to ESPN sources, was replaced by Mikel Merino in the 71st minute. Post-match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remarked that both injuries "don't look good."

Cole Palmer’s involvement on Sunday was doubtful due to injury, and although he played the full 90 minutes, his performance was subdued.

Trent Alexander-Arnold left the field clutching his hamstring during Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa. Manager Arne Slot noted post-match that the injury was "not a good sign." Sources informed ESPN that it's a low-grade injury expected to sideline him for about two weeks.

Jack Grealish’s omission was anticipated, as his last appearance for Manchester City was on October 20. His initial selection sparked criticism from City manager Pep Guardiola, who claimed England interim boss Lee Carsley had not consulted him before calling up the forward.

These upcoming fixtures will mark Lee Carsley's final matches in charge of England before Thomas Tuchel takes over as the new manager.