Bukayo Saka Unlikely To Start England’s Ghana Clash As Arsenal Watch Fitness Plan

Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start England’s World Cup group-stage meeting with Ghana as Thomas Tuchel continues to manage the Arsenal forward’s Achilles issue.

The 24-year-old came off the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia and is being eased through the early part of the tournament.

Tuchel has indicated that Saka may be held back until the final group game against Panama, with England and the FA medical staff taking care over the problem.

Sky Sports reports that the Achilles issue affected Saka during the final months of Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign.

"Yesterday Bukayo Saka missed training and that's a real concern for Thomas Tuchel"

Rob Dorsett shares the latest injury updates from the England camp 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/msxAUW9VRU

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 21, 2026

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Arsenal Will Watch Saka’s England Minutes Closely

For Arsenal, the key detail is not just whether Saka is available.

It is how England use him across a condensed World Cup group stage.

Tuchel has said the winger is ready and getting sharper, but the cautious approach points to a clear workload plan rather than a fresh setback.

Noni Madueke is expected to remain in contention on England’s right flank against Ghana, leaving Saka as a possible impact option from the bench.

That may frustrate the player, but it gives Arsenal some reassurance that his minutes are being controlled after a demanding club season.

ReadArsenal has already covered how Saka’s managed England role sends Arsenal a clear workload warning, and this latest Ghana update fits the same pattern.

Saka’s condition will remain one of the major Arsenal subplots of England’s tournament.

If he is built towards a larger role against Panama and beyond, the hope for Arsenal is simple: sharp minutes now, no unnecessary risk later.