By Fridah Mbuvi | June 10, 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Bukayo Saka is currently unable to train on consecutive days, raising fresh concerns over the Arsenal star’s fitness just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 24-year-old winger is still battling a lingering Achilles injury sustained during England’s international camp in March, with Tuchel admitting that the forward remains under strict medical management as the Three Lions race against time to have one of their most influential players ready for the tournament.
Speaking from England’s training base in Florida, Tuchel disclosed that Saka’s workload is being carefully monitored, with the player unable to participate in back-to-back sessions.
“We are managing him very carefully. He cannot currently train on consecutive days, so we are following a special program and taking no unnecessary risks,” Tuchel said.
The German tactician’s remarks have heightened anxiety among England supporters, with the World Cup now just days away and the national team preparing for its Group D opener against Croatia in Dallas on June 17.
Saka’s injury troubles date back to March when he suffered an Achilles problem while on international duty. Although the discomfort persisted, the Arsenal forward continued to play a crucial role for the Gunners during the latter stages of the season.
Despite operating below full fitness, he helped Mikel Arteta’s side capture the Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final, often playing through pain under a carefully managed schedule.
Because of the injury, Saka started only five matches during Arsenal’s final run-in and frequently had his minutes limited to avoid aggravating the condition.
His delayed arrival at England’s World Cup training camp in Florida further underscored concerns about his physical condition.
Tuchel revealed that England’s medical staff have adopted the same rehabilitation strategy employed by Arsenal. The winger was rested during Monday’s training session and only returned to light work on Tuesday.
The situation contrasts sharply with several of Saka’s Arsenal teammates who joined the England camp fully fit following the end of the club season.
Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have all resumed full training without restrictions, leaving Saka as the squad’s biggest fitness concern ahead of the tournament.
Tuchel admitted that the coaching staff may have to carefully ration the attacker’s playing time throughout the competition.
“He is unlikely to play every minute. We have to be realistic and smart because this is a long tournament,” the England boss said.
The development presents a tactical headache for Tuchel, who views Saka as one of the team’s most important attacking outlets.
Should the Arsenal star fail to recover sufficiently in time for the clash against Croatia, England could be forced to reshuffle their attacking setup.
Jarrod Bowen, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Manchester City playmaker Cole Palmer are among the leading candidates to occupy the right flank should Saka be unavailable.
Saka is technically available for England’s final pre-World Cup warm-up fixture against Costa Rica in Orlando, but sources close to the camp indicate that his involvement will be heavily managed to avoid the risk of a more serious tendon injury.
Medical experts remain wary of Achilles problems due to their potential to develop into long-term tears if players are overloaded.
The concern comes as England seek to end six decades of hurt and win their first World Cup since 1966.
Since making his senior debut in 2020, Saka has established himself as one of England’s most dependable performers, playing key roles at Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
His creativity, pace and ability to unlock defenses have made him indispensable to the national team, meaning any prolonged absence would represent a significant blow to England’s ambitions in North America.
With less than a week remaining before the tournament opener, Tuchel and England’s medical team face a delicate balancing act — protecting one of their prized assets while ensuring he can still make a meaningful impact when the World Cup begins.
