England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka remains a fitness concern ahead of the World Cup, as the 24-year-old continues his recovery from an Achilles injury. Saka, who joined up with the England squad in Florida alongside teammates Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, has been managed carefully after playing through pain during the latter part of the season.
Tuchel's cautious approach
Speaking ahead of England's warm-up friendlies against Costa Rica and Miami FC, Tuchel emphasized the need to monitor Saka's workload. 'We still have to take care a little bit about Bukayo, who had an injury in the March camp and carried it through into his club campaign,' Tuchel said. 'He made himself available at the end of the season and did brilliantly, but he was managed between matches, and that continues now.'
Saka has not yet completed consecutive training sessions since joining the squad. Tuchel confirmed that the decision to let him play through discomfort was made jointly by the player and Arsenal, with Saka playing a key role in the Champions League final, albeit in a losing cause against Paris Saint-Germain.
Building up to full fitness
'The player and his needs and health are always first,' Tuchel added. 'We are monitoring him and bringing him back gradually. Yesterday he was not with us, today he did the full training session. He is available for tomorrow, but he needs management to be fully 100 percent.'
Tuchel also confirmed that Rice, Madueke, and Eze are fully fit, with Rice being named England's vice-captain over the weekend. The German coach praised the Arsenal quartet's spirit despite their Champions League final heartbreak, noting they are in 'very good shape' and 'very good spirits' after their Premier League title triumph.
World Cup preparations
England face Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday before a behind-closed-doors friendly against Miami FC. Tuchel's side will aim to build momentum as they prepare for the World Cup, with Saka's fitness a key factor in their attacking options.
