**Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start England’s World Cup group-stage meeting with Ghana as Thomas Tuchel continues to manage the Arsenal forward’s Achilles issue.**
The 24-year-old came off the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia and is being eased through the early part of the tournament rather than thrown straight back into a full starting workload.
Tuchel has indicated that Saka may be held back until the final group game against Panama, with the England and FA medical staff taking care over a problem that affected him during the final months of Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign, [according to Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/13555396/world-cup-2026-bukayo-saka-unlikely-to-start-for-england-until-panama-game-thomas-tuchel-says).
Arsenal will watch Saka’s England minutes closely
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For Arsenal, the key detail is not just whether Saka is available, but how England use him across a condensed World Cup group stage. Tuchel said the winger is ready and getting sharper, but the cautious approach points to a clear workload plan rather than a fresh setback.
Noni Madueke is expected to remain in contention on England’s right flank against Ghana, leaving Saka as a possible impact option from the bench. That may frustrate the player, but it gives Arsenal some reassurance that his minutes are being controlled after a demanding club season.
Saka’s condition will remain one of the major Arsenal subplots of England’s tournament, especially if he is built towards a larger role against Panama and beyond.