Bukayo Saka is continuing to gamble on his fitness as the Arsenal star bids for World Cup glory with England.
The winger is hoping to start on the right flank for England in their tournament opener against Croatia in Arlington on Wednesday.
The final months of the season have had to be managed carefully, though, after he suffered an Achilles injury after Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, he missed the March international break and Arsenal’s next seven games.
His return came against Fulham in April. He started that match but was replaced at half-time.
Saka was asked from England’s base camp in Kansas City on Monday, two days out from England’s opener, how he has been faring, a week on from Thomas Tuchel admitting he was still carrying the after-effects of the Achilles problem.
He said: “I don't want to say anything that goes against the manager, but what I would say is 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.
“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.”
Saka added: “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.”
