Bukayo Saka's battle for fitness is set to be a watching brief for England fans as they prepare to take on Ghana in their second World Cup Group L fixture. The Arsenal winger was the only player missing from training at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, opting instead for an indoor programme to address his long-standing Achilles issue. But while Saka's absence may have raised eyebrows, Thomas Tuchel is adamant that the 24-year-old will be ready when it matters most – even if that means holding fire until England's final group match.
The Three Lions are in prime position ahead of their showdown with Ghana on Tuesday at 21:00 BST. Both teams come into the game off the back of wins, setting up a thrilling encounter that could have massive implications for both squads. Tuchel had his full squad to hand for the training session, with 25 out of 26 players present under the watchful eyes of MLB teams the KC Royals and St Louis Cardinals.
Saka made a telling impact from the bench in England's 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday, providing a crucial assist for Marcus Rashford's goal. Despite insisting he was ready to 'gamble' on his fitness, Tuchel has suggested that Saka will have to wait until their final group match against Panama on Saturday, 27 June (22:00 BST) before starting.
Tuchel was characteristically candid about Saka's condition, saying, "Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready." The German coach's words highlight a clear strategy of protecting his star player, but also hint that if needed, Saka could still start against Ghana – underlining just how crucial he is to England's chances.
It's a delicate balancing act for Tuchel and his team, but one thing's for sure: when Saka does finally take the field, it will be with maximum impact. And with the stakes so high, England fans can only hope their talismanic winger doesn't have to wait too long.
Tuchel's openness about Saka's fitness has brought a welcome dose of transparency to the situation, even if it means keeping some of the more sensitive details under wraps. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta typically keeps player injury information close to his chest, but Tuchel is clearly prioritising Saka's long-term health over short-term gain.