Bukayo Saka, England's electric winger, is on a tightrope between fitness and form at the World Cup. The 24-year-old Arsenal star has been managing an Achilles issue since March, and manager Thomas Tuchel is carefully rationing his minutes to have him ready for the knockout stages. Saka came off the bench in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, providing an assist to Marcus Rashford, but he's unlikely to start until at least the final group game against Panama.
The basics are straightforward: Saka has Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon that connects calf muscle to heel. This condition has been managed behind the scenes at Arsenal, who deemed him fit enough to play regularly during their title run-in, but Tuchel has been more cautious. Saka trained alone on an individual programme in Kansas City while the rest of the squad prepared for Tuesday's match against Ghana. Tuchel said the winger "will get more and more ready" and expects him to be fully ready for the last group game. Saka himself has said he's willing to "gamble" on his fitness to help the team.
“Bukayo Saka's Achilles injury management and impact on England's World Cup campaign, explained.”
The background to this story goes back months. Saka has been carrying the Achilles problem since March, and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta kept details in-house. Tuchel's openness has thrust the issue into the spotlight. England opened their World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, and Saka's brief cameo showed his quality, but the coaching staff are protecting him. Noni Madueke started on the right wing against Croatia and is expected to start again against Ghana. Tuchel has stressed the importance of "finishers" – substitutes who can change a game.
Why does this matter for UK readers? England fans are desperate to see their best players on the pitch. Saka was a key figure in Arsenal's Premier League title win, and his pace and creativity are seen as crucial for England's chances. If he's not fit to start, the attacking burden falls on players like Madueke, Rashford, and Anthony Gordon. Rashford, who scored against Croatia, also had a minor muscular issue but trained normally. Declan Rice, a midfield lynchpin, went off with back discomfort but appears fit. The balancing act between protecting players and winning games is a constant tension in major tournaments.
Q: Why is Bukayo Saka not starting for England at the World Cup? Saka is managing Achilles tendinitis, a long-standing issue. Manager Thomas Tuchel is easing him back to full fitness, preferring to use him as a substitute until the final group game against Panama.
Q: How serious is Saka's Achilles injury? It is a tendinitis issue that has been managed since March. He did not miss games for Arsenal but is not yet ready to play 90 minutes. Tuchel said he is unlikely to start before the last group match.
Q: Who will replace Saka in England's starting lineup? Noni Madueke started on the right wing against Croatia and is expected to start against Ghana. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are options on the left.
What happens next? England play Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, 23 June (21:00 BST). Saka is likely to be on the bench again. The final group game against Panama is on Saturday, 27 June (22:00 BST), and Tuchel has indicated Saka could start that match. England's progression in the tournament could depend on having a fully fit Saka for the knockout rounds.