Saka Ready to Gamble on Fitness for World Cup Opener

Bukayo Saka, the 24-year-old winger for Arsenal, declared his readiness to participate in England's 2026 World Cup campaign, specifically aiming to feature in the opening group match against Croatia. Despite dealing with persistent Achilles problems that have hindered his training, Saka is determined to contribute to the team.

Arsenal's manager, Thomas Tuchel, acknowledged that Saka has been unable to train consistently due to this injury. Saka stated that even when not fully fit, he feels compelled to play, understanding that players are often judged on their performance.

He emphasized the importance of being sharp and the risks involved in playing under such conditions, indicating that it is a significant gamble for him.