Saka’s fitness concerns
Concerns are increasing regarding Bukayo Saka‘s fitness at the World Cup, with pundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville questioning the Arsenal forward’s readiness for the tournament. Keane suggested that Saka should not be part of the squad if he is not performing at 100 per cent, while Neville stated that the England winger “doesn’t look right at all.”
Saka has been dealing with an Achilles problem for several months, an issue that affected him during the latter part of the domestic season. This ongoing concern has limited his participation in the World Cup, with the attacker starting only one match and playing 63 minutes in the 2-0 victory against Panama.
Keane commented on the situation, saying, “He doesn’t look sharp. Physically is he trusting his body? If he’s having all these issues and you’re looking at the bigger picture then he shouldn’t be here, should he?” He added that if Saka knows he is not at his sharpest, he will stop playing his natural game. The 24-year-old has otherwise been limited to substitute appearances, featuring for 18 minutes in the opening win against Croatia and 25 minutes in the goalless draw with Ghana.
Both Neville and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believe a role from the bench is the only practical option for Saka as England advances into the knockout stages. Neville expressed his concern, noting, “He doesn’t look right at all. It’s a concern when you say your number one right-winger has to be rested and come on.” He compared the situation to past tournaments where players like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were not fully fit, emphasizing that fitness cannot be gained during a tournament.
Pundits’ reactions and team implications
Wright echoed these sentiments, suggesting that a substitute role might be appropriate for Saka at the moment. He voiced worry for the player, stating that Saka is attempting to play through the World Cup, but the club season will restart, raising questions about when he will receive the necessary rest. Neville fears that Saka’s condition means he cannot be risked against England’s next opponents due to his long-standing Achilles issue. Neville observed that Saka, usually a lively and competitive player, does not appear to be himself, which is a concern.
Wright also questioned whether Saka might have been rushed back for the World Cup, noting that he is not starting the initial games and still not performing like the Saka known to fans. He believes the player needs a break, especially after a demanding Premier League season. Keane, meanwhile, urged the wingers to seize their opportunities, stating that while group stage errors might be forgivable, decisive matches require wingers to perform optimally to avoid an early exit from the competition. The medical teams of Arsenal and the England national team are closely monitoring Saka’s condition.
Adding to England’s challenges, the right-back position has been affected by a series of injuries. After Tino Livramento withdrew, both Reece James and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who is primarily a central defender, have sustained knocks. This situation has reignited discussions about Thomas Tuchel’s decision not to include Real Madrid’s specialist right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad.
Neville criticised the selection approach, questioning how the team reached a point where two injury-prone players were chosen, leading to Jarell Quansah playing at right-back. He expressed surprise that there was no place for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 26-man squad, even for matches against teams like Ghana or Panama. Keane described this decision as a “head scratcher.”
Source: independent.co.uk