Bukayo Saka is a major doubt for England in their Group L meeting with Ghana at the FIFA World Cup after the winger missed training on Saturday, casting uncertainty over his availability for Tuesday’s crucial fixture.
The Arsenal forward was absent as the England squad continued preparations for the high-profile encounter, raising fresh concerns about his fitness just days before the match.
Saka’s absence comes after England manager Thomas Tuchel had already indicated earlier in the week that the 24-year-old was unlikely to be ready to start against the Black Stars. The German coach suggested that the winger had not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection in the starting XI.
The situation represents a potential setback for England, given Saka’s established importance to the team’s attacking structure. Known for his creativity and influence in the final third, he has become a key figure in England’s forward play and a consistent threat to opposition defences.
With the match approaching, England’s medical team will continue to assess the winger’s condition in an effort to determine whether he can feature in any capacity. His availability remains uncertain, leaving Tuchel with a possible gap to fill in a match that carries significant weight in Group L.
England have made a strong start to their World Cup campaign and will be aiming to maintain that momentum when they face Ghana. However, the potential absence of one of their most influential attackers could complicate preparations for a fixture that is expected to be closely contested.
Ghana arrive into the match with confidence after their own positive opening result, adding further importance to England’s selection decisions ahead of the encounter.
Saka’s fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the remaining days leading up to the game, with England hoping for positive news as they look to field their strongest possible team.
The winger’s condition will be one of the key talking points in the build-up to the match, particularly given the high stakes involved in the Group L standings. Both teams are targeting a strong position in the group, and the availability of key players could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.
For Tuchel, the uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to his tactical planning. With limited time remaining before kick-off, England will need to prepare for both scenarios: with Saka available, or without one of their most important attacking options.
As things stand, however, the winger remains a doubt, and his absence from training has left England awaiting clarity on one of their most significant fitness concerns ahead of the Ghana clash.
