Bukayo Saka has insisted he is prepared to gamble with his fitness as England gear up for their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.
The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles injury since March, with his game-time carefully monitored by both club and country throughout the remainder of the season.
Saka missed the March international break entirely and seven matches for Arsenal, before returning to help the Gunners win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has openly acknowledged the need to “take care” of the 24-year-old, suggesting it is “very unlikely” Saka would “start and finish” every World Cup game.
Despite that, Saka made clear he feels in good shape ahead of the tournament’s opening fixture and is ready to be picked from the start.
“I’m feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I’m ready to go,” Saka said, reflecting on the careful management he has received from medical staff at both club and international level.
Saka played just 27 minutes of England’s warm-up victory over Costa Rica, with Tuchel continuing to manage his minutes carefully in the build-up to the tournament.
The winger was substituted during the Champions League final as Arsenal lost to Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, with the scores level at the point he was withdrawn, and his performance in that match drew criticism.
When asked whether it frustrated him to be judged publicly while carrying an injury, Saka was philosophical, acknowledging the risk players take when they choose to compete while not fully fit.
“Yeah, but I think as players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” Saka said, explaining that supporters judge performance regardless of physical condition.
“You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing that people are going to judge you the same,” he added, stressing the pressure athletes face to deliver at all times.
“I’m happy to take that gamble and it paid off I’d say, and I’m going to continue doing that – but like I said I’m feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go, so I’m excited.”
Saka is set to win his 50th England cap in his next appearance, a milestone that underlines just how central he has become to the national team’s attacking plans.
He faces competition for the right-wing berth from Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke, though Saka insists the pair share a close bond despite battling for the same position at both club and country.
“It’s quite unique, two players that play in the same position to be as close as we are,” Saka said, describing their relationship as one built on mutual respect and daily communication.
“Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch. We push each other and we speak every day.”
“We have that mutual respect for each other and we want each other to do well,” he continued, adding that success for one effectively benefits the other given they are on the same side.
Tuchel now faces a familiar dilemma for England managers — Saka is too important to leave out but too valuable to overwork across what could be a lengthy World Cup campaign.
