Bukayo Saka was the only England player missing from group training on Saturday as the squad continued preparations for Tuesday’s World Cup clash with Ghana – the Arsenal winger instead working indoors on an individual programme as he manages an Achilles tendinitis issue he has been carrying since March.
The 24-year-old came off the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia last Wednesday, providing an assist for fellow substitute Marcus Rashford to seal the victory. But head coach Thomas Tuchel has now confirmed that Saka is unlikely to start until the final Group L game against Panama in New Jersey on 27 June.
“Bukayo Saka trained alone with an Achilles issue as England prepare for their World Cup match against Ghana.”
“Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready,” Tuchel said. “I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready.”
Saka has insisted he is willing to “gamble” on his fitness to help the team during the tournament. But Tuchel’s management of the forward suggests the German is protecting his star asset for the knockout stages, knowing that if England progress deep into the World Cup, Saka will be crucial.
The injury has been a source of concern behind the scenes at Arsenal, though boss Mikel Arteta is notoriously guarded about his players’ fitness and kept details of Saka’s condition in-house. Tuchel’s admission has now thrust the issue into the limelight.
While Saka was working alone, Tuchel oversaw a group session with his other 25 players at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, watched by baseball teams the KC Royals and St Louis Cardinals. Both England and Ghana began Group L with victories, meaning Tuesday’s match in Boston (21:00 BST) takes on added significance.
Saka’s absence from full training is the latest fitness worry for England, who will need all their attacking options if they are to navigate a tough group and mount a serious challenge for the World Cup.