Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale likely to miss England’s upcoming friendlies with a hip injury

Aaron Ramsdale is reportedly a major doubt for England’s international friendlies later this month after being ruled out of Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper was named in Gareth Southgate’s squad on Thursday, and was expected to challenge Jordan Pickford for a starting berth.

However, he is now expected to be prevented from joining up with the Three Lions after sustaining a hip injury against Liverpool on Wednesday, as reported by The Athletic.

Aaron Ramsdale has a hip injury and is expected to miss England’s friendlies later this month

Gareth Southgate had named Ramsdale in his squad on Thursday after his strong club form

It is understood that Ramsdale picked up the problem in the first half at the Emirates as the Gunners slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Ramsdale went on to play the full match, but was criticised for his role in Liverpool’s opening goal, with Paul Merson slamming his ‘lazy’ attempt to keep Diogo Jota’s effort out at his near post.

Bernd Leno has taken the gloves for Arsenal’s match at Villa Park, and Mikel Arteta provided an update on Ramsdale shortly before kick-off, saying: ‘He will be out for a few weeks.’

This is the first Premier League game that Ramsdale has missed since he replaced Leno between the sticks after the September international break.

His absence is a major blow for Arsenal as they look to fend off the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham for the final Champions League place. 

Mikel Arteta thinks Ramsdale will be unable to play for a number of weeks due to his injury

Ramsdale revealed before kick-off he was watching his teammates from pitchside at Villa Park

The shot-stopper was still in attendance at Villa Park, though, as he posted an image from the bench on Twitter with the caption: ‘Different view today. Nothing but love and support to my team @Arsenal.’ 

England are set to take on Switzerland on March 26, before they face Ivory Coast three days later. Both matches will be played at Wembley.

It now appears likely that Pickford will retain his spot as England’s undisputed No. 1, having held this position largely unchallenged since the 2018 World Cup. 

Jordan Pickford is now in line to remain as England’s undisputed No. 1 if Ramsdale misses out