Wan Bissaka’s first taste of the England senior setup has ended prematurely. The Manchester United right-back has pulled back from the squad because of a back injury.
For the first time, Bissaka earned his call up to England’s senior side. Unfortunately, the Manchester United right-back will miss the European Qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo due to a back injury. He has returned to his club for treatment.
Bissaka has fit in impressively since his arrival in Manchester United from Crystal Palace this summer. His conformation had him awarded a maiden senior call up for the home Euro 2020 qualifiers this month.
A statement from the Football Association read: “Aaron Wan Bissaka has withdrawn from the England squad. The Manchester United right-back has returned to his club due to back issue.” No replacement are planned for. The squad already has Trent Alexander Arnold and Kieran Trippier in Gareth Southgate’s 24-man squad.
Wan Bissaka on Monday trained at St George’s Park with the England squad. A situation that made Manchester United described his issue as an “injury blow.”
Southgate had a close watch on the talented right-back in the last season. He swept up at Palace’s end of season awards, only to endure a torrid time at the Under 21 European Championship with Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions.
Despite this, eyebrows still got raised. This happened when World Cup semi-finalist Kyle Walker was omitted from the senior squad with Alexander Arnold and the rejuvenated Trippier being selected.
“We tracked him very closely last year. He did a good job last season but we wanted him to stay with the Under-21 group,” Southgate said at the squad announcement.
“We are looking at him (Wan Bissaka) and Trent and that’s the reason Kyle Walker is not with us on this occasion. This is an opportunity in particular to have a look at young players.”
“We talked about the number of games we’ve got ahead of next summer. We think we need to see them quickly. Additionally, we wanted to reintegrate Kieran Trippier back into the group so he knows he is still on our radar.”