Bukayo Saka Declares Ready After Thomas Tuchel Doubts Fitness

Bukayo Saka said he is ‘ready to go’ after England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested the Arsenal winger is not yet at full fitness. Tuchel warned that Saka may not be able to start and finish matches at the upcoming World Cup.

Tuchel explained last Wednesday that Saka is still missing elements in consecutive training and that it is very unlikely he will start and play the full 90 minutes in every match. He clarified he did not say Saka is unready to start, only that full‑match stamina is doubtful.

Saka responded on Monday, praising the work of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s medical team alongside England’s medical staff since March. He said he feels better than in recent months and is prepared to contribute for both club and country.

BBC reporter Sami Mokbel noted that Tuchel may draw on Arsenal’s set‑piece expertise for England’s World Cup campaign. Arsenal players, with Declan Rice on the opposite flank, could deliver the majority of England’s corners if the plan is adopted.

Arsenal have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur forward Elijah Upson, whose contract expires this month. Arsenal Women manager Renee Slegers faces decisions on squad size for the 2026/27 season, potentially exceeding thirty players.

Arsenal have not submitted a formal offer for Nathaniel Brown, who is now set to join Bayern Munich. A Cape Verde international admitted he is an Arsenal fan after Spain’s upset, according to the report. The accompanying image is credited to Justin Setterfield. Photos by Julian Finney and Alex Menendez accompany the story.