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Saka plays despite injury concern ahead of World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 7:25 AM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

Saka plays despite injury concern ahead of World Cup opener

Summary

Bukayo Saka is set to start for England in their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17, despite not being fully fit. England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged Saka is struggling with an Achilles issue that affected his club season with Arsenal. Although he is not expected to play the full 90 minutes, Saka continues to train with the team. Tuchel indicated that managing Saka's minutes will be crucial as he battles this long-standing injury. England's final warm-up match against Costa Rica is scheduled for June 14.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Saka struggles with an Achilles injury but will start against Croatia.
•Tuchel plans to manage Saka's minutes during the tournament.
•England faces Croatia in their World Cup opener on June 17.
•Final warm-up match against Costa Rica takes place on June 14.
•Saka returned at the end of April after missing a month of action.

Latest Updates

7:25 AMYahoo Sports — Saka injured but will start World Cup anyway

What they're saying

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The England manager is still planning to start Saka against Croatia, despite accepting he is not fit enough to play a full 90 minutes.Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesBukayo Saka is still struggling w...
— Yahoo Sports

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