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England head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided an important fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the team's final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica.
According to Goal.com, Saka missed England's recent 1-0 win over New Zealand, with the national team management opting to carefully manage his workload. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Tuchel said England are closely monitoring the winger's fitness ahead of Wednesday's friendly, as he continues to be eased back into action following his late arrival to the squad after Arsenal's Champions League final on May 30. "We have to take care with Bukayo, who had an injury in the March camp and carried it through to the club campaign," Tuchel said, as quoted by Goal.com. The 22-year-old had also withdrawn from the March international break due to a setback, making his recovery and match readiness a key focus for the coaching staff. "He made himself available and was brilliant. He was managed in between matches - we are also building him up. That continues at the moment," he added. The manager reassured supporters, declaring: "No-one needs a break. Everyone is available which is very good news. No [injury] complaints after the first match." Despite the cautious approach, Tuchel praised Saka's commitment throughout a heavy season in which he registered 11 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances for Arsenal, helping the club to a successful campaign. Tuchel outlined the immediate preparation strategy, noting the positive response from the group. "[We've had] one day of recovery and two good training sessions. We are ready to give it a push tomorrow; meaning more than 45 minutes. Players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. We will make this decision in the afternoon," he said. Looking ahead to the performance, he added, "Tomorrow, we expect a physical push tomorrow. Physically, [with] intensity and style and play. We want to take the next step and we feel ready for it." (ANI)
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