Arsenal star unlikely to start for England v Ghana due to fitness issues

Arsenal star unlikely to start for England v Ghana due to fitness issues

The Arsenal winger says he is “ready to go”, but Noni Madueke is expected to retain his place while Thomas Tuchel manages Saka’s workload.

Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

According to reports in the UK papers, Bukayo Saka is unlikely to be ready to start England’s next World Cup match against Ghana, despite insisting he is fit and “ready to go”.

The Arsenal winger is still building his fitness after an Achilles problem, with Noni Madueke expected to keep his place on the right. Saka has been managed carefully since March and remains short of the fitness required to complete full matches.

England manager Thomas Tuchel raised doubts over Saka’s readiness last week, making clear that the 24-year-old was not yet back to full fitness.

“He is still not 100 per cent for us,” Tuchel revealed last week on Wednesday. “Some things are missing for Bukayo in terms of consecutive training.

“I didn’t say Bukayo was not ready to start. But I think it is very unlikely Bukayo starts and finishes the matches all from now on.”

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Saka responded on Monday by stressing that the medical teams at club and international level had handled his recovery well.

“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager,” Saka said.

“What I would say is between Mikel [Arteta] and Arsenal’s medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team since March, they’ve managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.

“I’m feeling better than I felt in the last few months. And, yeah, I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go, man.”

Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

There is no doubt that Tuchel will want Saka available as often as possible. He remains one of England’s leading players, while his delivery from set-pieces gives the side another attacking weapon.

That does not mean Saka will be rushed. England’s priority will be keeping him available throughout the tournament, rather than asking him to start and finish every match while he is still regaining full fitness.

Madueke is therefore expected to retain his place against Ghana, giving Saka more time to build up his workload. Early substitutions may also remain part of the plan once he returns to the starting side, even if the player himself is eager to be involved from the outset.

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