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England manager Thomas Tuchel has given a crucial fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica. The winger missed the recent win over New Zealand after a grueling title-winning campaign with Arsenal, prompting the national team staff to carefully manage his minutes to ensure he is fully fit.
Management of Saka’s Fitness
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Tuchel confirmed that England are closely monitoring Saka ahead of Wednesday night’s friendly against Costa Rica. The striker was absent from the 1-0 win against New Zealand at the weekend after joining the squad late on from Arsenal’s involvement in the Champions League final on 30 May. Having withdrawn from the March international break due to a setback, the winger’s condition remains a priority. The manager explained his cautious approach to the player who recently helped his club win the Premier League. “We have to be careful with Bukayo, who had an injury in the March camp and carried it through to the club campaign,” Tuchel said.
Arsenal contingent ready for action
Despite the continued caution, the head coach praised the winger’s commitment in a demanding season in which he registered 11 goals and nine assists in 49 games for Arsenal. “He made himself available and was brilliant. He was managed between games – we’re building him up as well. That’s continuing at the moment,” he added. In addition to the 48-cap international, who has scored 14 goals for his country, the boss delivered positive news about the rest of the Arsenal squad. Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze are fully fit. The manager reassured supporters, declaring: “No one needs a break. Everyone is available, which is very good news. No [injury] complaints after the first game.”
Building match acuity
As the tournament approaches, the coaching staff increases the intensity. The focus shifts to extending playing time against Costa Rica. Tuchel outlined the immediate preparation strategy and noted the positive response from the group. “[We’ve had] a day of recovery and two good training sessions. We’re ready to give it a push tomorrow, which means more than 45 minutes. The players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. We will make this decision in the afternoon,” he elaborated. Looking ahead to the performance, he added: “Tomorrow we expect a physical push tomorrow. Physical, [with] intensity and style and game. We want to take the next step and we feel ready for it.”
What comes next for England?
England have one final friendly against Costa Rica before shifting their full focus towards their opening Group L matches. Saka and his teammates begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, followed by clashes with Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.
Reporting by GOAL.
