Saka's World Cup Fitness
Tuchel Confirms Cautious Approach to Bukayo Saka's Achilles Injury Ahead of World Cup
Key Points
Tuchel gave a direct quote on the management plan: “We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March… we are building him up,” adding that England aim to “replicate” how Arsenal handled Saka’s inability to complete consecutive training sessions.
Tuchel said Saka has not been sidelined completely in camp, noting “We just came from training and everyone was involved including Bukayo,” even as he described him as “still not at 100%.”
England’s World Cup schedule context was clarified on tournament eve: Tuchel’s side were set to wrap up preparations with a friendly against Costa Rica in Florida before the opener, with England beginning the campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.
Tuchel specifically recalled how Saka was used during Arsenal’s title run, praising that “He played at Fulham when the title was on the line… It was down to him and Arsenal to play through the pain,” even though he did not have “a full week’s training beforehand.”
England fans’ criticism included pointed social-media messaging reflecting the fear of missing match time—one post quoted by the report said: “Tuchel is really risking the whole World Cup attack around Saka, who still can’t train consecutive days. Palmer and Foden have been ready…”
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has warned that Bukayo Saka is still not fully fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup, revealing the winger cannot train on consecutive days due to an Achilles injury picked up in March. "It is very unlikely Bukayo starts and finishes all the matches from now on," Tuchel said, according to Sports Mole.
Saka, 24, helped Arsenal win their first Premier League title in 22 years before starting the Champions League final against PSG on May 30 — a match Arsenal lost on penalties. England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, and Saka's fitness is now the biggest question hanging over the squad, per Caught Offside.
Tuchel Adopts Arsenal's Careful Load-Management Blueprint
Tuchel has been open about his plan for Saka. "We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March… we are building him up," he said, per Sports Mole. He added that England will "replicate" how Arsenal handled Saka in the final weeks of the season — limiting training on back-to-back days so he could perform on match days.
Tuchel confirmed Saka was still on the training pitch alongside his teammates. "We just came from training and everyone was involved including Bukayo," he said. But he was clear the winger is "still not at 100%." During Arsenal's title run, Saka was substituted in four of his final five domestic appearances, according to Sports Mole.
Saka Played Through Pain to Deliver Arsenal's Title
Saka's Achilles problem dates to March 17, when he was hurt in Arsenal's Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen. He missed five club matches before returning for the title run. Despite limited training, Tuchel praised his effort: "He played at Fulham when the title was on the line… It was down to him and Arsenal to play through the pain," per The Independent.
Saka scored the only goal in a key win over Atletico Madrid on May 5 to keep Arsenal on track for the title. He then started the Champions League final on May 30, playing 82 minutes before being substituted. The back-to-back demands of both competitions are seen as a key reason why he is still managing the injury, according to Caught Offside.
Palmer and Foden Omissions Fuel Fan Fury
England fans have reacted angrily to Saka's inclusion. On May 22, Tuchel left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his 26-man squad, calling their club seasons "disappointing." One widely shared post summed up the mood: "Tuchel is really risking the whole World Cup attack around Saka, who still can't train consecutive days. Palmer and Foden have been ready," per SPORTbible.
Pundit Paul Merson called the selection "a massive gamble" that leaves England exposed if Saka breaks down in the group stage. Tuchel has pushed back, arguing that Saka at 70% is still more valuable than most alternatives. He has pointed to Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze as cover if Saka cannot finish matches, per Sports Mole.
Croatia Opener on June 17 Is the Immediate Test
England's Group L schedule gives Tuchel little room to manage Saka lightly. After Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, England face Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27. With Saka unable to train on back-to-back days, he may be rested entirely for the second group game to stay sharp for the knockout rounds, according to The Independent.
England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their final warm-up in Orlando on June 10, with Saka involved in a managed role. Declan Rice and other Arsenal teammates are at full fitness, per Yahoo Sports. Tuchel said the camp is "harmonious," but the pressure on Saka — and on Tuchel's selection calls — will only grow once the real matches begin.
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