Bukayo Saka has admitted he will continue to gamble on his fitness for England's World Cup campaign, insisting he is “ready to go” for Wednesday’s Group opener against Croatia despite an Achilles injury that has plagued him since March.
The Arsenal winger, who will win his 50th cap in his next appearance, has been carrying the injury since the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March. He missed England’s March international break and seven consecutive games for his club as a result, but returned to help Arsenal win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. Since returning, he has completed 90 minutes only once in five appearances and was substituted before the end of normal time in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
“Bukayo Saka will gamble on his fitness for England's World Cup opener against Croatia despite an Achilles injury.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned that Saka’s fitness is being “carefully monitored” and it is “very unlikely” he would start and finish every World Cup match. Saka played only 27 minutes of England’s final warm-up game against Costa Rica, with Tuchel managing his game-time. But when asked if he is ready to play a full match in Dallas, Saka said: “I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager. But what I would say is that between Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team. I’m feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I’m ready to go.”
Saka acknowledged the risk of playing through pain. “As players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest. You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same. At the end of the day people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver. I’m happy to take that gamble and it paid off I’d say, and I’m going to continue doing that,” he said.
The 24-year-old is competing for a starting spot on the right wing with Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke, who could start against Croatia if Tuchel decides not to risk Saka. Despite the competition, Saka described Madueke as “like my brother” and said they enjoy competing and playing together.
Saka believes Arsenal’s title triumph has given him more belief. “Knowing what it takes to win is important, and we have that feeling now. It gives you more confidence and freedom,” he said. “The main focus right now is winning the World Cup and being my best version of myself for the team.”