Bukayo Saka has reportedly returned to full group training in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday, giving England a much-needed fitness boost.
The Arsenal winger had trained alone a day before while the Three Lions closely watched an Achilles issue that plagued him in the last few months of the Premier League campaign.
Saka appeared fit during the most recent training, despite being limited to an 18-minute substitute cameo in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas. Tuchel’s options are strengthened by his return ahead of England’s second Group L match at Boston Stadium.
Tuchel Claims England Are Applying Caution Over Saka’s Fitness
Tuchel emphasized that his side are being cautious about Saka as the competition goes on. The manager also stressed how crucial it is to handle small fitness concerns during a big competition.
“I’m not in the physio department, but he hasn’t missed a day of training, so I think that’s a good thing,” Tuchel said, as quoted by ESPN. “I think he’s played so many games throughout these last few years. You can see he’s a crucial player for Arsenal. He’s a top quality player and he brings quality to the pitch, for Arsenal and England.
“I think he’s very important, as everyone can see. Managing niggles going into a competition is very important for the latter stages. You need important players like him to be ready to play and step up when called upon.”
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Saka’s condition is being given top priority by England’s coaching and medical team, who are implementing a rigorous load-management program to make him available at his best later in the competition.
Noni Madueke started on the right wing against Croatia, and Saka wasn’t added until the game was mostly under control, demonstrating this tactic.
According to reports, Tuchel believes the 24-year-old won’t be prepared for a full start until England’s final group-stage game on June 27 against Panama.
