Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling’s absence from the England squad is set to continue despite the withdrawal of Jack Grealish from the latest international party.
Manchester City attacker Grealish (thigh) and Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) have both pulled out of the England squad that will face Ukraine in Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier and Scotland in a prestige friendly in Glasgow next Tuesday.
The withdrawals appeared to open the door for Sterling to be drafted back into Gareth Southgate‘s party following the forward’s shock omission from the original squad last month.
The 28-year-old has not featured in an England squad since the World Cup, missing the March gathering due to injury and the summer fixtures as part of an agreement with Southgate to focus on recovering for the new season.
However, the FA confirmed on Monday night that Southgate is not expected to call up replacements for Grealish or Alexander-Arnold.
Southgate admitted last week that Sterling didn’t take news of his omission very well and the fact he remains on the sidelines is the latest twist.
Grealish and Alexander-Arnold both reported to St George’s Park along with the rest of the England squad on Monday.
They were checked by England medics before withdrawing.
All other players have reported as planned apart from Kieran Trippier who will arrive on Wednesday owing to a personal commitment.