Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka has been omitted from the national team lineup for England’s World Cup qualifying match against Andorra on June 7, following fitness concerns related to a minor injury sustained in his final club match of the Premier League season.
England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the decision, stating that while Saka remains an integral part of the squad’s long-term plans, playing him at this stage would be too risky. Saka, 23, reported to the England camp earlier this week but has managed only one full training session. His arrival came with visible discomfort due to a knock picked up during Arsenal’s closing game against Southampton.
Tuchel emphasized that the decision to rest Saka was precautionary.
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The manager is aiming to manage player workloads with care as England prepares for two matches in quick succession—the June 7 qualifier against Andorra and a friendly against Senegal on June 10. According to Tuchel, Saka is expected to be fit in time for the latter fixture, provided medical staff give the go-ahead.
Saka’s omission is one of several enforced changes in England’s squad for the Andorra match. Striker Ollie Watkins and midfielder Conor Gallagher are also unavailable due to minor fitness issues. These absences have compelled Tuchel to make significant adjustments to his starting lineup, leaning on a mix of veterans and less-experienced players to fill key roles.
Experienced figures like Jordan Henderson and Reece James have been brought in to provide stability, while mainstays such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain in place. The absence of Saka and other key contributors will test England’s depth and offer a chance to evaluate fringe players under competitive conditions.
Despite the temporary setback, Tuchel reiterated Saka’s importance to the national team setup. Since making his debut in 2020, Saka has earned more than 40 caps and scored in double digits for England. His performances have consistently drawn praise for both club and country, and he is widely regarded as one of the Three Lions’ most reliable and creative attacking outlets.
Tuchel’s approach to squad management reflects a broader strategy to protect players ahead of a demanding summer. The decision to hold Saka back from the Andorra fixture is not based on any major injury concern but is instead seen as a calculated move to preserve his fitness for more consequential games. The Senegal match, scheduled just three days later, is viewed as the more appropriate target for his return.
Arsenal supporters are unlikely to be alarmed by the news, as early signs suggest that Saka’s injury is not serious. The club has not indicated any concern over his long-term availability, and England’s medical team is closely monitoring his recovery. Barring setbacks, he is expected to resume full training in the coming days.
The situation also highlights the ongoing challenge of managing player workloads during a packed football calendar. With domestic seasons concluding and international obligations intensifying, players like Saka often find themselves caught in a delicate balance between club and country duties. Tuchel’s decision underscores the importance of strategic planning when it comes to player health and match readiness.
Looking forward, England’s short June schedule—with games against Andorra and Senegal—will serve as a crucial period of assessment ahead of upcoming major tournaments. These matches allow Tuchel to test different combinations, evaluate player form, and fine-tune tactics while navigating a few fitness-related setbacks.
Although Saka’s absence for the Andorra qualifier is a disappointment for fans eager to see him in action, it appears to be a sensible, temporary precaution. England’s coaching and medical staff are confident he will be ready to feature against Senegal on June 10, positioning him for a strong return as the national team eyes a competitive summer campaign.
