England star sparks big damage worry as he is noticed with strap after bore Ghana draw
England star Declan Rice was seen limping with heavy strapping on his calf after the Three Lions’ goalless draw with Ghana at the World Cup
(Image: Getty Images)
England midfielder Declan Rice was seen with heavy strapping on his calf and hobbling following their goalless stalemate with Ghana.
The Three Lions star has been managing a series of fitness concerns throughout the tournament including calf-related troubles. The 27-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes with the Black Stars.
But worries over his long-term availability have emerged as he continues to soldier on. Rice was observed with substantial strapping on his left calf and moving tentatively through the mixed zone, sparking concerns over his participation against Panama.
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Rice’s fitness was carefully managed in the group opener against Croatia but Thomas Tuchel couldn’t afford to rotate extensively with the Three Lions struggling to a draw in Group L.
Tuchel said: “The point where he is now is one of the very best midfielders in the world.
“You see a humble, humble footballer, humble, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy into the good quality into the group and just ready to learn and learn every day. So his career makes him one of the very best at the moment.”
Rice’s Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka has also been managing an injury after an Achilles issue troubled the winger throughout the closing stages of the Gunners’ Premier League title charge, reports the Mirror.
While the forward battled through the problem, both England and the top-flight champions were careful over his game time. Consequently, he has been compelled to begin on the substitutes’ bench in each of the opening two England World Cup fixtures.
Saka, however, joined the first-team training during the Ghana preparations and is now posing a selection dilemma for Tuchel.
He has confirmed he is now fit to play after Noni Madueke started in his stead. He stated: “It’s another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka and the beautiful thing is they do it for Arsenal as well.
“Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go – without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.
“Everyone has trained, everyone is available. No matter whether it’s Marc (Guehi) in defence or Marcus (Rashford) and Bukayo (Saka), they all bought into it, the team as starters or coming on from the bench.”
England currently lead the group on goal difference with Ghana matching them on points after defeating Panama in their opening match of the tournament.
