England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start Tuesday’s World Cup Group match against Ghana as the Three Lions continue to carefully manage the winger’s fitness.
Saka made a lively impact from the bench during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, immediately creating Marcus Rashford’s goal with a superb assist after entering the contest in the second half.
The Arsenal star has been dealing with an Achilles tendinitis issue, prompting Tuchel to limit his workload during the early stages of the tournament.
While Saka recently declared himself fit and willing to “gamble” on his fitness to help England’s World Cup challenge, Tuchel suggested the 24-year-old may not be ready to start until England’s final group fixture against Panama on 27 June.
“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.”
Although concerns remain over the lingering Achilles problem, it is understood that the condition has not worsened since the end of Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign.
Tuchel’s comments underline England’s determination to preserve one of their most dangerous attacking weapons for the latter stages of the tournament rather than risk aggravating the injury during the group phase.
Nevertheless, the England boss stopped short of completely ruling Saka out of the starting line-up against Ghana should circumstances require a change of plan.
With qualification for the knockout rounds firmly in sight, England appear willing to prioritise the winger’s long-term availability over any short-term gamble.
