Saka misses training with Achilles concern ahead of England's World Cup clash with Ghana

Bukayo Saka is a doubt to start England’s 2026 World Cup Group L match against Ghana after missing training, with the Arsenal winger continuing to manage an Achilles injury that has clouded his availability throughout the tournament.

The 24-year-old has been working on an individual training programme tailored to his specific needs rather than training with the rest of the squad. That carefully managed approach has kept him in contention for an appearance against Ghana, but a starting berth looks unlikely.

Saka did not start England’s opening group game, a 4-2 victory over Croatia, though he came off the bench and contributed directly to the Three Lions’ final goal, playing Marcus Rashford through on goal. Rashford cut inside before curling his effort into the bottom right corner.

Saka himself has previously said he is willing to “gamble” on the injury and play through it for England’s benefit in North America. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has indicated that a full starting role for Saka may not come until England’s final Group L fixture against Panama.

Rashford is also listed among England’s starter doubts, meaning Tuchel faces a similar decision over both players as the Three Lions look to secure progression to the knockout rounds. A win against Ghana would be enough to advance from the 48-team tournament’s group stage.

England’s next assignment against Ghana represents an opportunity to wrap up qualification with a game to spare, though Tuchel will need to weigh the short-term risk of starting Saka against the longer-term demands of a deep World Cup run.