Bukayo Saka’s Fitness Gamble Ahead of England’s World Cup Opener

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka arrived in the United States carrying an Achilles injury first diagnosed in the March Carabao Cup final versus Manchester City. The problem kept him out of England’s March camp and caused seven missed Arsenal league games. He returned, making five appearances but completing only one full 90-minute match. Ahead of the Group L opener against Croatia, Saka said he is “ready to go,” while England manager Thomas Tuchel warned he must be “taken care of” and is “unlikely to start and finish” a World Cup game.

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The Achilles injury occurred in March’s Carabao Cup final; Saka missed the March international break and seven Premier-League games, made five post-injury starts for roughly 300 minutes, and logged only 27 minutes in the Costa Rica warm-up. Arsenal won the Premier League after a 22-year gap and lost the Champions League final on penalties.

The Guardian

Saka credited Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the club medical team, Tuchel and England’s doctors for his recovery. Tuchel said England will “take care” of him and may limit his minutes. Arsenal’s medical staff confirmed a workload-management plan that reduced his late-season play. The coaching team still sees him as the first-choice right winger, though an “impact-sub” role is being prepared.

The Guardian

The Daily Mail and other outlets argue Saka’s “Achilles flare-up” threatens England’s balance and favour Noni Madueke as a safer option. Sports Mole reported Tuchel’s warning that Saka is “unlikely to play the full 90 minutes.” Sky Sports journalist Dorsett said “he cannot start and finish matches right now,” urging careful handling.

England predicted XI vs Croatia: Tuchel's biggest calls

Saka insists he is “ready to go,” while Tuchel says he is “unlikely to start and finish” a match. ProvenQuality lists him in a projected starting XI; Sports Mole expects him on the bench. No official medical bulletin confirms his condition.

The Guardian

Saka supplies England with pace, creativity and defensive work-rate on the right. If limited, Tuchel must turn to Noni Madueke or shift Anthony Gordon to the left, affecting the team’s ability to break down compact defenses and influencing rotation across the group stage.

England predicted XI vs Croatia: Tuchel's biggest calls

• “ Asked if wasn't quite 100% yet, he repeated: "I'm ready to go.” — Bukayo Saka

ESPN

• “we still have to take care of Bukayo” — Thomas Tuchel (as reported by ESPN)

ESPN

• “Speaking on Sky Sports, Dorsett said: “For Saka, Tuchel has told us, where he is right now in terms of fitness, with this Achilles problem he’s been managing for Arsenal towards the back end of the season, means he cannot start and finish matches right now.” — Sky Sports journalist Dorsett

What England are saying about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s fitness condition ahead of World Cup opener

• “I'm happy to take the gamble.” — Bukayo Saka

ESPN

England travels to Dallas for the 17 June clash with Croatia. Tuchel says the medical team will reassess Saka after the first half and may substitute him if the Achilles strain returns, shaping England’s right-wing plan for the group phase.

England predicted XI vs Croatia: Tuchel's biggest calls