Tuchel Confirms Saka Unlikely to Start Against Ghana — Full Details

June 22, 2026 — Emeka Igwe 4 min read

Thomas Tuchel has cast doubt over Bukayo Saka's involvement from the start when England face Ghana in an international friendly next month. The England manager told reporters at a press conference on Thursday that Saka remains a fitness concern and is unlikely to feature in the opening XI for the Wembley fixture.

Fitness Concerns Keep Saka on the Sidelines

Saka has been managing a persistent muscle issue that forced him off during Arsenal's Premier League match against Tottenham last weekend. The 23-year-old winger completed 63 minutes before being substituted, and subsequent medical assessments have not provided the clear bill of health the player and club were hoping for. Tuchel, who took charge of England in January, has made player welfare a priority since his appointment.

The German coach, speaking from St George's Park, said the medical team had been in constant dialogue with Arsenal officials regarding Saka's recovery timeline. "We cannot take risks with a player of Bukayo's quality," Tuchel stated. "The schedule has been relentless, and we have seen the consequences of pushing players too hard."

England Squad Depth Faces Immediate Test

The Three Lions will need to recalibrate their attacking options against Ghana, a side that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Tuchel has several candidates to fill the void on the right flank, including Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.

The match, scheduled for October 11 at Wembley Stadium, represents England's penultimate fixture before the Nations League matches against Greece and Finland. Tuchel has used these friendlies to assess his squad depth ahead of competitive fixtures in 2025.

Who Could Step Up for England

Palmer has emerged as a strong contender after a prolific start to the season at club level. The 22-year-old has scored eight goals in all competitions for Chelsea and has shown versatility across attacking positions. Gordon, meanwhile, offers directness and pace that could trouble Ghana's defensive line.

England's medical staff are expected to provide a final update on Saka's availability by early next week. The player himself has remained active on social media, posting training videos that show him running, though no footage has emerged of him participating in full contact sessions.

Ghana Arrives with Confidence Despite Recent Setbacks

Black Stars coach Otto Addo will view this fixture as an opportunity to test his squad against top-tier European opposition. Ghana suffered a group-stage exit at the AFCON earlier this year, prompting questions about the team's direction ahead of World Cup qualifiers scheduled for later this year.

The Ghanaian federation announced a 26-man squad on Wednesday, featuring several players from European leagues. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was notably absent due to injury, but the squad includes Brighton forward Joao Pedro and Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey.

What This Means for England's Nations League Campaign

Tuchel's caution over Saka reflects a broader concern about player workload across European clubs. Several top-flight managers have publicly criticised the expanded fixture schedule, warning of increased injury risks heading into the winter months.

England currently sit second in their Nations League group behind Greece, with matches against Greece on October 14 and Finland three days later. Tuchel has stressed that results in these fixtures will shape his thinking for the March international break.

The friendly against Ghana serves multiple purposes for the coaching staff. Beyond evaluating squad options, the match offers a chance to build tactical understanding ahead of competitive encounters. Tuchel has experimented with a 3-4-2-1 formation in recent matches, a system that could accommodate Saka as an inside forward if he proves fit enough for cameo minutes.

Arsenal's Perspective on the Player's Condition

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration after the Tottenham match about the timing of Saka's injury. Arsenal face a demanding run of fixtures that includes Champions League matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Liverpool before the international break.

The club's medical team has not disclosed a specific timeline for Saka's return, describing the issue only as a "muscular concern that requires careful management." Arsenal are understood to have requested regular updates from the England camp as both parties seek to balance recovery needs with competitive demands.

Looking Ahead to the Ghana Fixture

England will travel to Wembley on October 10 for final preparations before the match kicks off the following day. Ticket sales have been brisk, with the Football Association expecting an attendance of over 80,000 at the national stadium.

Fans watching from Nigeria and across the African continent will have multiple broadcast options, with the match scheduled for 7:45 PM GMT on various streaming platforms. The fixture marks Ghana's first meeting with England since a 2010 friendly that ended 1-1 at Wembley.

Tuchel is expected to name his matchday squad by October 9. Whether Saka travels with the group or remains in London for continued treatment will signal the severity of the issue and England fans will be watching closely for that announcement.