England boss Thomas Tuchel says Bukayo Saka is “free of pain” and “ready to go” for the Three Lions’ final group game with Panama – amid an injury blow to defender Reece James.
Saka started on the bench for England’s first two World Cup games against Croatia and Ghana and made second-half cameos as a substitute. This is due to a long-term Achilles issue that affected his season run-in at Arsenal.
However, Tuchel revealed Saka has spent the last few days feeling back to his normal self after a strict medical process that included consultation with Arsenal.
“For Bukayo, it was the right thing [not to start him yet],” said Tuchel. “We agreed with Bukayo and especially the medical team at Arsenal in tight co-operation that this is the way to build him up.
“He is now, since many days, fully free of pain and discomfort and is ready to go and ready to start.”
However, defender James will miss the Panama match due to a “minor hamstring issue” according to Tuchel. He is also a doubt for the round of 32 but has not completely been ruled out.
Reece James will miss the Panama game
“Reece has a minor hamstring issue. He was not able to train in the last two days,” said Tuchel. “He is now in an accelerated rehabilitation programme and we take it game-by-game. But there is some belief that he will be available for us [again] in the tournament.
“We have hopes that he will be fit for the next match. It can be a tight one. But the hopes are still alive. He didn’t travel with us [to play Panama on Saturday.]”
Tuchel named Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa as the right-back cover options who can replace James. But the England boss was also questioned as to why he called up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah – instead of a natural right-back option – when full-back Tino Livramento picked up a tournament-ending injury earlier this month.
“The thinking of calling Chalobah is to free up Quansah on the right full-back position for us,” said Tuchel. “I saw him playing very strongly there playing for Liverpool and he played enough in a back three – which is not so far from the position – in Leverkusen. And we have Djed Spence.
“No one could see that [James injury] coming, Reece was in good shape.
“Konsa played in that right-back position as well for us on a high level. No problem. We would love to have Reece as a key player but he’s not available. We will find solutions. That’s what we do.”
Rice and Anderson fit – but Arsenal man has yellow card issue
Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are fit to start against Panama
Reports on Friday evening also put Elliot Anderson‘s participation against Panama in doubt due to muscle tightness. However, Tuchel said the England midfielder took part in full training on Friday and is available to start.
Despite picking up a calf knock against Ghana, Declan Rice has also been passed fit – but the Arsenal midfielder is one yellow card away from being banned for the round of 32.
“Yes and no,” said Tuchel, when asked if that impact his thinking. “He’s experienced enough to handle it. But we are aware of it. He has a yellow card.
“If he starts [against Panama], and I normally want Declan on the pitch, then he has to manage that and he will manage that.
“Elliot Anderson was in full training [on Friday]. Declan Rice was in full training. They felt both minor issues after the Ghana match, but have had time to recover.
“Everyone except Reece James is available and ready to go. We will take the decision [on Friday night].”
Tuchel: Anderson has caused no distractions by Man City move
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Tim Sherwood shares his thoughts on England midfielder Anderson and how much of a ‘dream’ he is for Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel
Meanwhile, Tuchel also addressed Anderson’s impending British transfer record move to Manchester City, who have agreed a £116m move for the Nottingham Forest player.
Earlier this month, Tuchel revealed he does not want players focused on transfers on the day before a match and the England boss said Anderson has not caused any distractions – and he will facilitate that City move after the Panama game.
“We had no distractions, no medical before the match,” said Tuchel. “All the focus was all about his recovery and getting him available for training.
“The focus was on training and travelling with us. No distractions from the main topic which is clearly the match. We want to win the match, win the group. We need Elliot in the right mindset.
“The reality is that transfers are going on in world football while we are playing. Big transfers take a lot of time.
“We know that things are going on behind the scenes. We will facilitate that transfer but after the match, not before.”
