BUKAYO SAKA is not starting for England against DR Congo in this evening’s huge World Cup clash.
The Three Lions are looking to reach the last-16 with a win at the Atalanta Stadium.
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Bukayo Saka is on the bench for the clash versus DR Congo Credit: Getty
Saka started in the win over Panama but is having his minutes managed Credit: Getty
But they might have to do it without Saka as the Arsenal star has been named on the bench.
His Gunners team-mate Noni Madueke is starting on the right-wing instead.
Why isn’t Bukayo Saka starting against DR Congo?
Saka is not starting against DR Congo due to his playing time needing to be managed following injury problems.
The 24-year-old has an ongoing achilles issue that is forcing Thomas Tuchel to take precautions.
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He was restricted to just 18 and 25 minutes respectively in England’s first two World Cup games.
Saka was able to start in the 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night but lasted just 63 minutes before being subbed off.
The winger is believed to have picked up the injury during Arsenal‘s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City in March.
Since then, Saka has completed 90 minutes just once from eight appearances in all competitions.
The issue even forced him off after 83 minutes in the Champions League final against PSG as Madueke came on.
On his ongoing fitness concerns, Saka said before the start of the World Cup: “I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager.
“But what I would say between Mikel [Arteta] and Arsenal’s medical team and England’s medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.
“I am feeling better than I have felt for the last few months. I am ready to go.
“As players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest.
“You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing 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, they expect you to perform.
“I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go.”
