England’s Bukayo Saka to ‘gamble’ on World Cup fitness despite Achilles injury
- England winger Bukayo Saka has stated he will continue to “take the gamble” on his fitness to be involved in the World Cup campaign, despite managing an Achilles injury.
- Saka’s Achilles issue, which he picked up in March, affected the end of his domestic season with Arsenal, leading him to play through the pain barrier.
- While manager Thomas Tuchel expressed doubts about Saka’s ability to play a full 90 minutes, Saka affirmed he is “ready to go” for England’s Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas.
- Saka acknowledged the risk of playing whilst not feeling his sharpest but believes his decision to do so for Arsenal’s run-in “paid off” and he intends to continue this approach.
- He noted a significant improvement in his fitness since March, crediting the medical teams at Arsenal and England for their management, and expressed support for teammate Noni Madueke, a close friend and competitor for his position.
