Bukayo Saka is facing a race against time to be fit for England's second Group L fixture at the 2026 World Cup, with the Arsenal winger absent from training ahead of Tuesday's clash with Ghana.

The 24-year-old did not feature in England's opening game either, coming off the bench as the Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2 in a rematch of their memorable 2018 World Cup semi-final, in which Luka Modric's side ended England's run.

Saka's Achilles concern

Saka has spent the past several months managing an Achilles injury that has repeatedly brought his availability into doubt. Rather than training alongside the rest of the squad, he has been following a tailored individual programme designed to keep him in contention without aggravating the problem.

Despite the setback, Saka has publicly stated he is prepared to "gamble" on the injury and take the field for England's benefit during this North American tournament. That determination appears to have paid off to a degree — his personalised regime has kept him in the frame for selection against Ghana.

However, manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to keep Saka on the bench once more, with a potential starting slot reserved for England's final Group L match against Panama.

Rashford also in doubt

Saka is not alone in his fitness battle. Marcus Rashford is similarly listed among the doubts for a starting berth, leaving Tuchel with decisions to make across his attacking options.

Both players made contributions when introduced against Croatia. Saka set up Rashford for England's fourth goal — Rashford cutting inside before curling a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

With a win against Ghana potentially enough to secure progression to the knockout rounds of the expanded 48-team tournament, Tuchel must weigh the risk of playing either man before they are fully fit against the reward of wrapping up qualification early.