Bukayo Saka is one of several England stars who could miss October’s internationals, despite the Arsenal forward not being completely ruled out of Sunday’s clash vs Man City – but his chances of playing are being judged on a day-by-day basis

Bukayo Saka leads a worrying England injury crisis with the Arsenal attacker a doubt for Sunday’s clash against Manchester City.

The Gunners winger suffered a suspected hamstring tweak against Lens on Tuesday night, though medics are hopeful the injury isn’t serious. He also took a blow to the thigh in France.

He will undergo further medical tests on Thursday following an initial scan on Wednesday. 

The best case scenario for Saka is that he has suffered a painful dead leg, nevertheless the prospect of the attacker playing against City – and in the forthcoming international fixtures against Australia and Italy – would represent a risk.

As of Wednesday night, Saka was not being completely ruled out of Sunday’s visit of Pep Guardiola’s team – but his chances of playing are being judged on a day-by-day basis.

But generally, even minor hamstring injuries can take two weeks to recover.

England boss Gareth Southgate was being kept updated on Saka’s fitness on Wednesday as he finalised plans ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement.

Southgate is set to name a depleted squad due a host of injuries to players in recent weeks.

In addition to the doubts over Saka, England will be without a recognised left-back with Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell unavailable through injury.

Brentford’s Rico Henry, who has been scouted as an alternative to Shaw and Chilwell, is also unavailable through injury.

Levi Colwill, who has been playing at left-back for Chelsea this season, will keep his place in the squad as will Kieran Trippier, who has played in the position consistently for England.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed the previous squad with a hamstring injury, is also set to return and could fill in at left-back.

Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell, who has one England cap, could come back into contention but sources have indicated there are some reservations about handing him a recall.

Eberechi Eze will miss out on the squad with the injury hamstring first revealed by Mail Sport on Tuesday.

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is among the players interesting Southgate and Eze’s injury could open the door to the attacker. Mason Mount has returned to full fitness with Manchester United.

It remains to be seen whether there is space for Raheem Sterling, particularly with Jack Grealish available again after missing out through injury in September.

There are also fitness concerns over Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins pushing hard for a recall.

Jordan Henderson is hoping to keep his place in the squad despite his move to Saudi Arabia.