Bukayo Saka remains sidelined from the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has once again been left out of the England squad, this time for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra scheduled for Saturday.
The former England player of the year winner who recently returned from a long-term hamstring injury, is still working his way back to full fitness and has yet to feature under new England boss Thomas Tuchel.
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Tuchel, speaking in a press briefing on Friday, confirmed that Saka had only managed one full training session during the week as per reports by BBC Sports.
Harambee Stars assistant coach Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani has sent an inspirational message to local based players who were overlooked for the side’s two friendly games agaisnt Chad in Morocco ahead of the upcoming 2024 CHAN.
Struggles With Injury and Timing
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Bukayo Saka reacts after his goal against Slovenia is disallowed. Photo. Imago
Saka’s absence from the squad is the continuation of a frustrating period for both player and country.
Having missed three months of action between December and April due to a hamstring issue, the Arsenal star only returned for the final stretch of the season with his club.
Despite his return to action, he has yet to fully integrate into Tuchel’s setup after also sitting out the coach’s first England camp due to the same injury.
Tuchel is clearly exercising caution with Saka, aware of the player’s importance to both Arsenal and the national side.
While fans had hoped to see the electric winger back in the famous white shirt, England’s strong form in the qualifiers, with wins over Latvia and Albania, has allowed Tuchel some breathing room in easing Saka back.
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy’s plans for the upcoming friendly matches against Chan have been hampered somewhat after one of his main players suffered an injury.
Senegal Friendly a Possible Return Date
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Bukayo Saka and captain Harry Kane after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final (Credit: Imago)
Looking ahead, there is still a possibility that Saka could be involved in England’s friendly match against Senegal on 10 June.
That fixture could serve as an ideal opportunity to reintroduce him to international football in a lower-stakes setting, as he eyes his return for the Three Lions.
England remain unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and while Saka’s absence is felt, the team has managed well so far.
For Tuchel, the focus seems to be on long-term squad fitness and readiness and for Saka, the wait to don the England jersey again continues
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Harambee Starlets suffered a humbling defeat to hosts Morocco in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Tangier.
