By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka missed England’s training session on Saturday as the Three Lions stepped up preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L clash against Ghana, Prompt News Online reports.
Saka, who has been managing an Achilles problem in recent months, came off the bench in the second half of England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia earlier this week.
The 25-year-old is now a doubt for England’s upcoming encounter with Carlos Queiroz’s side.
Despite the setback, head coach Thomas Tuchel remains optimistic about Saka’s condition, insisting the forward is expected to regain full fitness as the tournament progresses and he accumulates more playing time.
“Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready. He was strong in training in small spaces. It was just a matter of if the game was open and he was up and down,”Tuchel said.
“It’s going to be a squad game at the World Cup. We could even have a debate about the other flank, where Noni Madueke started, with Tuchel managing Bukayo Saka’s minutes.
“On the left, though, I’d go for Rashford. I think Gordon’s form suffered towards the end of the season. He didn’t play much for Newcastle and he just doesn’t seem quite up to speed.
“This is not to say he won’t have a big part to play as the tournament goes on, but Rashford took his goal well and looked good. It’s close, but at the moment I’d go for Rashford. I think he deserves an opportunity.”
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