Bukayo Saka a serious doubt for England’s World Cup qualifier vs Andorra in blow to Thomas Tuchel’s plans
BUKAYO SAKA is struggling with an injury he picked up on the final day of the season for Arsenal.
The winger could miss the World Cup qualifier against Andorra as he has only trained the last two days.
Saka returned at the end of the season after missing three months with a hamstring problem.
Tuchel said: “Until that latest injury he was more or less always available, always playable every three days.
“He had this consistency in his game and in his body, which made him very unique.
“He was decisive for England, he took responsibility, he bounced back after a decisive and dramatic penalty miss (Euro 2020 final).
“It’s nice to see that he’s back because he wanted to be back, and you straight away see when he comes in, he is comfortable to be with the squad.
“He knows what it takes to be a national player.
“He came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually.
“It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group today. Yesterday, he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let’s see.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
“I’m not sure if we take the risk for this game.
“The decision has not been taken, but he will be available for the Senegal match, and he plays a major role in our thoughts on how to build a competitive team.”
In addition, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins will play no part against Andorra or Senegal on Tuesday in Nottingham.
The striker withdrew from Tuchel’s party as a precaution because of what the FA described as a “minor” issue.
Tuchel said: “Ollie Watkins has a discomfort in his upper thigh or groin area in the muscle and we decided not to take any risks.
“He will go home to continue treatment and we will not take any risks in case he gets an injury. It’s very minor.”
Watkins was the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, one ahead of Chelsea‘s Cole Palmer.
The Villa star scored the dramatic late winner in last summer’s European Championship semi-final against Holland.
Watkins’ withdrawal leaves Tuchel with captain Harry Kane and Saudi-based Ivan Toney as his two centre forwards.
England do not intend to bring in a replacement and so will have 25 players for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra and Tuesday’s home friendly against Senegal.