Bukayo Saka left the England squad on Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19.

Three Lions’ manager Gareth Southgate has had to deal with a number of withdrawals since naming his 25-man squad last Thursday.

Saka has become the latest to leave the group taking on Switzerland and Côte d’Ivoire after returning a positive coronavirus result.

A statement from the Football Association (FA) read: “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for COVID-19.

“The Arsenal player had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St George’s Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.

“No further replacements are planned with a squad of 24 in place for the forthcoming fixtures.”

Saka tweeted: “I am gutted to withdraw from @England camp but I have tested positive for COVID-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.

“I’ll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can’t wait to be back doing what I love soon”

Arsenal forward Saka, who trained with the group on Tuesday, is the sixth player to drop out of the England camp.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Aaron Ramsdale were ruled out through injury on Monday.

The uncapped duo of Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell were brought in along with Ollie Watkins and Sam Johnstone, only for the latter to then withdraw.

Also, Fraser Forster was called in.

England kick off their 2022 World Cup preparations with a home friendly against Switzerland on Saturday, before welcoming Côte d’Ivoire to Wembley on Tuesday evening. (dpa/NAN)

•PHOTO: Bukayo Saka is embraced by Phil Foden during England training at St George's Park on Tuesday. Photograph: Ryan Browne/Shutterstoc

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