England have reportedly been dealt a blow as star forward Bukayo Saka has missed training ahead of their FIFA World Cup meeting with Ghana. The Three Lions are looking to build on their opening day victory over Croatia when they do battle with Ghana.
A report from Sky Sports has revealed that Saka did not do any individual or team training on Saturday as preparations ramp up for the game against Ghana. According to the report, the Arsenal man is carrying an Achilles problem that he has been managing for months, but his absence from training may be a problem for coach Thomas Tuchel.
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Bukayo Saka played as a substitute in just one of England’s friendlies ahead of the FIFA World Cup, against Costa Rica. The 24-year-old then started on the bench as the Three Lions took on Croatia in their first game of the tournament, with club teammate Noni Madueke starting.
Saka made an appearance off the bench against Croatia, providing the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal in the 85th minute of that game. He played for just 18 minutes, while Madueke got the bulk of the minutes in the game as England won 4-2.
There had been talk before the tournament of Tuchel managing Saka after the season he had with Arsenal. He played 49 times for the Gunners, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists as they won the Premier League and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League.
England receive boost ahead of Ghana FIFA World Cup clash
England have been handed a boost ahead of facing Ghana in their second FIFA World Cup Group L game as midfielder Declan Rice has returned to training. The Arsenal man will likely feature from the start against the Black Stars, having been passed fit by the medical team.
Rice was taken off after 72 minutes in the opener against Croatia, with coach Tuchel attributing the substitution to his observation of physical discomfort from the 26-year-old. Morgan Rogers took his place on the pitch, and it was later revealed that Rice was managing some discomfort in the back of his leg and his lower back.
Tuchel will be thrilled to have Rice fit and available for the game against Ghana, who are sure to pose a physical threat to the Three Lions. They also won their opening match of the FIFA World Cup, defeating Panama 1-0 in Canada.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen
