England star left out of squad ahead of Andorra clash to give Thomas Tuchel selection headache

WATCH NOW: Thomas Tuchel shuts down German reporter's request during England squad press conference

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 07/06/2025

- 13:11

Bukayo Saka will not feature for England in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday night

England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss Saturday night's World Cup qualifier against Andorra due to fitness concerns.

The Arsenal winger arrived at the international camp carrying discomfort from the Gunners' final match against Southampton.


"[Saka] came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually until today basically," Tuchel revealed on Friday.

The 23-year-old managed just one complete training session with the squad this week.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka is yet to feature for Thomas Tuchel's England

PA

"It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group. Yesterday, he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let's see."

The German coach indicated uncertainty about risking Saka for the Andorra fixture but expressed optimism about his availability for Tuesday's friendly against Senegal.

The England boss now faces a selection headache for the right-wing position, with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rodgers and Noni Madueke all viable options.

Anthony Gordon could also play on the right, though he is far more familiar with the left hand side.

JUST IN: Tottenham chief Daniel Levy 'facing dressing room revolt' over Ange Postecoglou sack decision

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has played on the right wing for England and Chelsea

PA

Social media users have criticised Arteta's handling of the England international, particularly given his extended injury absence earlier in the campaign.

The Gunners competed in both the Premier League and Champions League until late in the campaign, placing significant demands on the recently-returned winger.

In contrast, supporters praised Tuchel's cautious approach to managing Saka's minutes.

READ MORE: Simone Biles and Riley Gaines clash over transgender athletes debate Olympic star launches attack

Saka endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines earlier this season, missing three months of action between December and April with a hamstring injury.

Upon his return to fitness, Arteta quickly reintegrated him into the Arsenal side for the campaign's closing stages.

The winger featured in every match following the March international break, despite being forced off with an ankle problem during Arsenal's victory at Ipswich.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka was an ever-present for Arsenal following his return from injury

PA

The England manager's decision to exclude him from the Andorra match has been viewed as a protective measure aimed at preserving the player's fitness.

The 23-year-old has yet to feature under Tuchel, having missed the German's initial England camp through injury.

Saka's current setback appears less severe than his previous hamstring issue, with Tuchel suggesting potential involvement in Tuesday's Senegal friendly.

The winger has earned 43 caps for England to date.