Saka Ready for Panama Test as Tuchel Confirms England Return

England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is “free of pain and ready to go” for the Three Lions’ final Group B encounter with Panama, while providing an update on Reece James’ injury concerns.

The Arsenal winger started the team’s opening two World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana on the bench, coming on as a second-half substitute, due to a persistent Achilles issue that plagued his final months at club level.

Tuchel revealed that Saka has now recovered fully following a comprehensive medical rehabilitation process involving close consultation with Arsenal’s medical staff.

“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. The Chelsea full-back also remains a doubt for the round of 32, though he has not been completely ruled out.

“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 to replace James. The manager also explained his decision to call up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah instead of a natural right-back option, following Tino Livramento’s 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.

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

Reports on Friday evening also raised concerns about Elliot Anderson’s availability due to muscle tightness. However, Tuchel confirmed the Newcastle United midfielder participated in full training and is cleared to play.

Despite suffering a calf injury against Ghana, Declan Rice has also been declared fit. The Arsenal midfielder faces a suspension risk for the round of 32 after receiving a yellow card, but Tuchel expressed confidence in his experience.

“Yes and no,” said Tuchel when asked if the booking impacted his plans. “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].”

Video:
Tim Sherwood shares his thoughts on England midfielder Anderson and how much of a ‘dream’ he is for Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel also addressed Anderson’s impending British_transfer record move to Manchester City, where the club has agreed a £116m fee for the Nottingham Forest player.

Earlier this month, Tuchel stated he prefers players not to focus on transfers the day before a match, and confirmed Anderson caused no distractions during the buildup to 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.”

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