Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is no longer feeling pain in his Achilles, providing a significant injury boost for England ahead of their World Cup group match against Ghana on Tuesday.
Saka's Individual Training Regimen
Saka was the only member of England's 26-man squad who did not take part in the full training session on Saturday at the team's base camp in Kansas City. The Arsenal winger was following an individualised programme designed by FA medical staff to manage the after-effects of an Achilles injury he sustained in March while playing for Arsenal.
Despite missing the full session, Ollie Watkins revealed in a press conference that Saka had participated in some parts of the training. Saka then trained fully on both Sunday and Monday, marking a positive step towards making his first start of the tournament.
Tuchel's Latest Update
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Tuchel provided a fresh update on Saka's condition. “It is another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka, and the beautiful thing is they do it for Arsenal as well,” he said. “He [Saka] feels no more pain. He was able to train in full [on Sunday and Monday].”
The England manager added: “Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain, and is ready to go — without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.”
Starting Line-up Prospects
It had been considered likely that Noni Madueke would start over Saka against Ghana, as Tuchel explained last Wednesday that the team was working towards the third group game against Panama for Saka's first start. However, Saka's full training sessions and pain-free status have now made his inclusion a genuine possibility.
England face Ghana on Tuesday in their second World Cup group match, with the team looking to build on their opening performance.
