Thomas Tuchel urges caution over Bukayo Saka as England ramp up World Cup prep

Thomas Tuchel says England have to be careful with Bukayo Saka ahead of the World Cup as the Arsenal winger continues to build his way back from an Achilles issue.

The 24-year-old linked up with the national team in Florida on Saturday along with team-mates Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze after the quartet were given time off after the Champions League final.

Saka began the shootout loss to Paris St Germain but has only started five matches for Premier League winners Arsenal since withdrawing from England’s March meet-up with an Achilles injury.

The forward’s fitness is a consideration for Tuchel, whose side face Costa Rica in a warm-up friendly in Orlando on Wednesday before taking on Miami FC the following day behind closed doors.

“We still have to take care a little bit about Bukayo, who had an injury in the March camp and carried it through, of course, into his club campaign,” Tuchel said.

“He was available and made himself available in the end of the season, and did this brilliantly, but he was managed in between matches and that continues a little bit at the very moment, so we’re building him up.

“Noni is 100 per cent available, Declan is 100 per cent available and Ebs as well.”

Tuchel confirmed Saka has yet to do “consecutive training” sessions since joining up with England and vowed to manage him sensibly.

“They decided together, Bukayo and Arsenal, to let him play through his pain and discomfort, even if it was not possible to train the whole week in the build ups,” the German coach said.

“He was decisive in the second leg against Atletico to bring them to the final, he played the final. But like I said, he was managed in between, and this is what we do.

“The player and his needs and health are always