'We can send an MRI scan' - Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal goalscorer Bukayo Saka after Harry Kane's comments criticising England dropouts

Saka was among 10 withdrawals from the England squad in the international break, as the Three Lions played Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League. Kane called the situation a "shame" and revealed his belief that international commitments are more important than club commitments. Without several key stars, England won 3-0 in Greece and beat Ireland 5-0 at home. Now, Arteta has seemingly hit back.

Saka played for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and scored a brilliant goal as the Gunners won 3-0. The winger has only been absent for two Arsenal games this season, missing the October fixtures against Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk due to a leg injury, while he was unable to complete the clash with Chelsea as he went off early with a thigh problem.

Asked about Kane's comments and Saka's withdrawal, Arteta told reporters: "Well, we can send an MRI scan, it's very simple. That's a communication that was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the England national team.

"He hasn't done anything, he was away and needed time to heal. He's done one training session."

Arsenal face Sporting CP in the Champions League in midweek before a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham in a Premier League derby.