Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze sidelined for England’s friendly matches due to calf injury
Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze has been sidelined for England’s upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan this month due to a calf injury.
The 27-year-old was included in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man roster revealed earlier this week, but he observed Sunday’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City from the stands.
When asked if Eze would join the England squad afterward, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta stated: “No. He’s out. We need to conduct another scan in six or seven days and await the results. It is his calf.”
An insider informed ESPN that Harvey Barnes is being considered as a potential replacement for Eze, although the Football Association has not yet confirmed if any additional players will be called up.
City defender Nico O’Reilly — who was also named by Tuchel — netted twice at Wembley as Pep Guardiola secured the 19th trophy of his nine-year reign at the club.
Arsenal has not claimed any silverware since winning the 2020 FA Cup but continues to hold a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with quarterfinal matches upcoming in both the FA Cup and the Champions League.
“What this team has accomplished in the last eight months has been remarkable, and we will channel this disappointment and drive to have the most extraordinary two months together,” Arteta remarked.
“That responsibility lies with us, and we will manage that energy appropriately. Now we must endure this pain and disappointment, which is a normal part of football.”
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Arteta also justified his choice to start backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over first-choice David Raya.
“I must do what I believe is right, which is honest and fair, and I think we have a mutual understanding with Kepa. He has participated in the entire competition, and it would have been very, very unfair to him and the team to make a different decision,” Arteta explained.
“We are guided by what we have observed and what he has accomplished, what he has done in the competition, and he has assisted us in progressing this far. I believe it is the correct decision, and that is that. Mistakes are part of football, and today it occurred unfortunately at a critical moment.”
