Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final as concerns around one Gunners star have emerged as the club bid for an incredible trophy double
Shortly after climbing back to the top of the Premier League, Arsenal’s attention now turns to a Champions League semi-final showdown with Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners remain in contention to complete this season with a trophy double, beginning with Wednesday’s first leg against Diego Simeone’s Spanish outfit. Mikel Arteta will require as many of his men fit as possible if the Gunners are to secure their place in next month’s final in Budapest.
Both Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze limped off during Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Newcastle, but Arsenal have been handed another significant update ahead of the Atleti encounter. It could prove pivotal in determining how events unfold in Madrid this week. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
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Rooney labels Saka comeback ‘absolutely huge’
Wayne Rooney has described Bukayo Saka’s return to fitness as “absolutely huge” at this crucial juncture of the season, reports the Mirror.
Following nearly a month out injured, the England winger made a substitute appearance to help secure victory against the Magpies. Saka, 24, penned a lucrative new five-year contract at the Emirates earlier this year despite enduring a below-par campaign.
Speaking on his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United and England legend said: “Bukayo Saka has been great for Arsenal over the last few years. Maybe this season he hasn’t hit the heights but he’s such an important player.
“So to get him back at this time of the season is going to be massive, it’s going to be really important. He’s clearly one of the leaders in there so to have him back is huge.”
The timing of Saka’s return couldn’t be more perfect given the potential prizes on offer if Arsenal can nail their form in the coming weeks. And Rooney emphasised the significance of having such an inspirational figure who can be counted upon by his colleagues.
“An in-form Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in the Premier League, there’s no doubt about that,” he continued. “It will help the other players as well, he has a really good connection with Jurrien Timber and the midfield players.
“Having someone you know you can rely on out there is really important and all those Arsenal players know they can rely on Saka and know what he brings to the team. It’s huge for Arsenal, absolutely huge.”
Nwaneri slammed by Marseille boss Beye
In the latest chapter of Ethan Nwaneri’s troubled loan stint at Marseille, the teenager has now found himself in the firing line from his own manager.
The 19-year-old remained on the bench as Les Olympiens shipped a late goal to draw 1-1 at home to Nice on Sunday. Nwaneri was regularly deployed by Roberto De Zerbi after the Italian initially secured his loan move in January.
Nevertheless, Habib Beye has demonstrated far less enthusiasm for the Englishman since taking over from De Zerbi at the top. And the former Newcastle defender went even further when pressed about Nwaneri’s omission.
Sunday represented the second occasion in three league fixtures the teenager has remained an unused substitute, and Beye’s comments don’t indicate any imminent transformation.
Speaking to L1+ regarding Nwaneri’s absence following the disappointing outcome, Beye said: “He’s a quality player, but he has to give us way more in his day-to-day commitment. Other players gave way more.”
The ex-Senegal defender evidently doesn’t recognise in Nwaneri the qualities De Zerbi valued. This paves the way for a disappointing conclusion to the season, despite Marseille’s continued struggles following the managerial switch, as they are now sixth in Ligue 1.