Bukayo Saka did not participate in England's training session on Saturday as the Arsenal winger continues to manage an Achilles tendon problem. The Three Lions are preparing to face Ghana in their final World Cup group stage match on Tuesday.
Tuchel Provides Fitness Update
England manager Thomas Tuchel otherwise had a full squad available for the session at the team's base in Kansas City. Marcus Rashford, who had been recovering from a hamstring issue, trained fully, which was a positive sign.
Following England's victory over Croatia, Tuchel indicated that Saka might not be fit enough to start against Ghana due to ongoing Achilles tendinitis. “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. He was strong in training in small spaces. It was just a matter of if the game was open and he was up and down.”
Potential Role as Finishers
England are scheduled to fly to Boston on Monday, with Saka and Rashford potentially reprising their roles as impact substitutes. Both made significant contributions off the bench against Croatia, with Saka impressing in the second half.
Speaking ahead of that game, Tuchel explained Saka's condition: “Bukayo is still getting there, playing through discomfort at the end of the season, but obviously managing it and playing at a high level, but still not on his 100 per cent. He is the one we are building and taking care of in training. I don’t know, it’s just not there yet. Some things are missing, consecutive training. They took very good care of him and were very aware of it at Arsenal and we will do a little bit the same. So, step by step, he is at the moment not able to do every training session through the week and then play. He is still going to be managed.”
Group Stage Implications
England's final group match against Ghana will determine their path in the knockout stages. Tuchel's cautious approach with Saka suggests the team is prioritizing his long-term fitness over short-term gain. The Arsenal star has been a key player for England, and his availability for the latter stages of the tournament could be crucial.
