Thomas Tuchel faces Saka workload dilemma for England

Thomas Tuchel must decide how much Bukayo Saka should feature for England after a demanding 2023-24 season. Sir Gareth Southgate repeatedly warned about tailoring Saka's programme and avoiding unnecessary load. In that campaign Saka played 59 matches, logged 4,756 minutes and completed 26 full games, scoring 21 goals and providing 15 assists.

Mikel Arteta described Saka's hamstring tear as an "accumulation" injury following the heavy workload. Since the injury Arsenal have adopted a more measured approach, but Saka's three‑season totals still total 153 matches, 11,154 minutes and 61 full games. Tuchel now confronts the same dilemma Southgate faced: Saka is too important to omit, yet too valuable to overuse.

England do not need Saka to play every minute, only to be available for the right moments. The decision will shape how the Gunners and the national side manage his future contributions.