London, Oct 12 (IANS): English Football has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will not be travelling to Finland after limping off the pitch during the second half of the England vs Greece match and will be returning to Arsenal for further assessment. Alongside Saka, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones has also pulled out of the squad for personal reasons which means a 22-member squad will travel to Helsinki to face Finland in a UEFA Nations League on Sunday at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

"Curtis Jones and Bukayo Saka will not travel to Finland. Saka has returned to Arsenal for further assessment having been substituted during the second-half of Thursday night’s match against Greece. Liverpool’s Jones remains in England owing to a personal commitment. A squad of 22 will now fly to Helsinki on Saturday afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Nations League fixture," read the statement posted by English Football on their website.

Saka’s injury could prove to be very impactful for Arsenal as the side is currently contending for their first Premier League title since 2004. With skipper Martin Odegaard already out with injury and Arsenal scheduled to face teams like Liverpool, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Inter Milan in the coming month, it is imperative for the Gunners that their star player remains fit.

Seven games into the Premier League season, Saka is leading the way in terms of assists with seven, the most for any player in any of Europe’s big five leagues. He’s also created the most ‘big chances’ (12) in Europe, and in terms of overall chances created he’s leading the way in the Premier League with 27, while only Barcelona’s Raphinha has more than him in Europe.

Arsenal fans will hope the assessment yields no serious damage to Saka especially after reports emerged on Friday suggesting that Odegaar, who was scheduled to return to action late in October, may have suffered a setback which can keep him out till December.