‘I’m ready to go’ – Saka provides update on his fitness ahead of first World Cup clash for England | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka says he is “ready to go” for the World Cup amid concerns around his fitness because of an Achilles issue.

The Arsenal man has been managing the issue for the past couple of months but says he is feeling “a lot better” ahead of the start of the tournament.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has said he does not think Saka can play a full game at present, and asked about that, Saka said: “I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager, but what I would say is between Mikel (Arteta), the Arsenal medical team, Thomas (Tuchel) and the England medical team, they’ve managed me amazingly.

“They’ve helped me get back on the pitch to do what I can for the team and I’m feeling better than I have in the last few months, and I’m ready to go.”

Asked if he was not quite 100% yet, he reiterated: “I’m ready to go.”

Saka returned for the end of Arsenal’s season, helping them to win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

And asked about the challenge of playing while not fully fit, he explained: “I think as players, it’s the biggest gamble. If you’re not feeling your sharpest, you have the choice whether you don’t play or put yourself out there, knowing that people are going to judge you the same.

“At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling. They expect you to deliver and to perform and I’m happy to take that gamble, and it paid off I’d say.

“I’m going to continue doing that but like I said, I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go. I’m excited.”