England head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is improbable to feature in the starting XI for the Three Lions' World Cup fixture against Ghana on Tuesday. The decision comes as Saka continues to contend with an Achilles tendinitis issue, which the coaching staff are carefully managing through the initial stages of the tournament.
Saka, aged 24, made a notable impact when he came off the bench during England's 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday. He swiftly provided an assist for Marcus Rashford's goal, underscoring his immediate influence on the pitch. However, Tuchel had previously stated that Saka's fitness would require careful oversight during the opening games of the World Cup.
Despite Saka's own insistence on Monday that he was ready to play and willing to 'gamble' on his fitness for the team, Tuchel's comments indicate a more cautious approach. The German coach stated, "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," implying a potential start for the final group match against Panama in New Jersey on 27 June.
The Achilles issue has been a persistent concern for Saka, though it is understood that the condition has not deteriorated since the culmination of the domestic season, where he played a significant role in Arsenal's title challenge. While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has typically been reserved about his players' injury details, Tuchel's transparency has brought Saka's fitness into public discussion.
Tuchel's strategy appears to be one of protection, aiming to preserve Saka's full capabilities for the crucial knockout stages of the competition, where his attacking prowess is expected to be a vital asset for England. This measured approach suggests a long-term view for the winger's contribution to the squad's World Cup campaign.