Saka’s Injury Management
England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Bukayo Saka’s fitness requires careful management as the World Cup approaches. Saka, an Arsenal winger, has been playing through discomfort due to an Achilles injury. This issue caused him to miss part of the domestic season’s conclusion, although he did return for Arsenal’s successful Premier League title run.
Tuchel noted that Saka made himself available for his club at the end of the season, performing brilliantly despite needing to be managed between matches. This careful approach is continuing with the national squad as they work to build up his fitness. The manager confirmed that Saka was involved in recent training sessions.
The England boss explained that Saka is not yet at 100% fitness and is unable to participate in every training session throughout the week before playing. He suggested it is unlikely that Saka will start and complete every match during the tournament. Tuchel also mentioned that Arsenal had managed Saka’s condition by allowing him to play through pain and discomfort, even when he could not train fully.
While Saka is still recovering, Tuchel provided a more positive update on other Arsenal players in the squad. Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke are all reported to be at 100% fitness. These players, along with Saka, were given an extended break after their involvement in the Champions League final.
Squad Preparations and Tournament Outlook
Tuchel will assess Saka and the rest of the squad before making decisions on the starting lineup for the final warm-up match against Costa Rica. This match is scheduled for Wednesday. Following a 1-0 victory against New Zealand, where Tuchel made numerous changes, some players are expected to have longer playing times against Costa Rica to improve their fitness ahead of the tournament opener against Croatia on June 17.
Among the players who could benefit from more game time is John Stones, who had a limited role at Manchester City last season. Tuchel affirmed that Stones, like all other fit and ready players, is a potential starter. The manager expressed optimism about the squad’s health, stating that everyone is available with no injury complaints after the first warm-up match.
Despite reaching consecutive European Championship finals and progressing deep into previous World Cup tournaments, Tuchel stated that England are not the favourites to win the upcoming World Cup. He views the team as competitors and challengers, acknowledging that a bit of luck and a focused mindset will be crucial. Tuchel drew a comparison to Wimbledon, suggesting that past history does not make England outright favourites, but they still aim to win.
Tuchel also addressed the focus on individual players, particularly Jude Bellingham. He emphasized that the team has demonstrated it can win matches without Bellingham and that no single player can win the World Cup alone. The manager stressed the importance of a collective effort and a team approach. He also noted that the starting lineups for early matches might change throughout the long tournament, and players not starting must still be prepared to contribute decisively.
The upcoming match against Costa Rica will be played in Orlando. Tuchel had initially anticipated facing a team that played with a back five, but the change in Costa Rica’s coaching staff means they no longer employ that formation. The new coach, Fernando Batista, is overseeing a transitional phase and is expected to feature development players against England. Tuchel expects the team to show development in all aspects of their play from the previous match against New Zealand.
Tuchel also expressed gratitude to the Football Association for allowing him to concentrate solely on football despite various political issues surrounding the tournament’s build-up. Recent issues include a Fifa referee being denied entry into the USA and visa problems for participants from Iran. The team is focused on their preparations for the tournament, which begins on June 17 against Croatia.
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Source: bbc.com
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