England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in just over a week, but manager Thomas Tuchel has one concern to consider before the final warm-up match.
Bukayo Saka has some problems with his Achilles tendon (Image: Getty Images)
There are concerns that Bukayo Saka will suffer a serious injury ahead of the World Cup. England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that Saka is suffering from an Achilles problem and may not be ready to start the tournament.
Saka arrived late to England’s training camp and did some personal fitness training last weekend, but was clearly behind his other Arsenal team-mates Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, who were also given extra time off after the Champions League final.
“Declan is 100 per cent, Bukayo is still getting there, playing through some discomfort at the end of the season, obviously controlling it and playing at a high level, but he’s still not 100 per cent,” Tuchel said.
“He is the one we are developing and looking after in training, but Declan is 100 per cent, Ebbs is 100 per cent and Noni is 100 per cent.
“Bukayo is not there yet. He is missing some things, such as constant training. They have taken very good care of him and we were very aware of that at Arsenal. We will do the same little by little.”
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“So, step by step, he is currently unable to do all the training sessions throughout the week and then play. He is still going to be managed.
“Bukayo and Arsenal decided together to let him play through pain and discomfort, even if he was unable to train for a week in the build-up.
“He was decisive in the second leg against Atlético Madrid, reaching the final and playing in the final. But, as I said, he was managed in the middle and this is what we have to do.”
“The player and his needs and health always come first. So what we’re doing now, we’ve been monitoring him for a week off, and now we’re getting him back on the pitch.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel gives an update on his team ahead of the final friendly against Costa Rica (Image: Getty Images)
“Yesterday he wasn’t with us, but today he was with us and had a full training session. He’s available tomorrow but he needs management to be completely, completely 100 percent and he hasn’t been able to do that.
“I think it’s very unlikely that Bukayo will start and play every game in the future.”
Saka has always been one of England’s most reliable and consistent players, but there are concerns about his fitness ahead of Wednesday’s final friendly against Costa Rica.
Tuchel is planning for him to start, likely close to starting, against Croatia on June 17, and those who don’t get playing time will play in Thursday’s match against Miami FC behind closed doors.
Tuchel added: “We have to play against Costa Rica, which is very different from what Croatia offers, but we will give the players 60-70 minutes of playing time (and preparation for the Croatia game).”
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