Saka returns while Nwaneri told to show more commitment

Arsenal have received an "absolutely huge" update ahead of their Champions League double-header against Atletico Madrid.

Soon after returning to the peak of the Premier League, Arsenal's focus now shifts to a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners are still in the running to end this season with a trophy double, continuing with Wednesday's first leg against Diego Simeone's side.

Mikel Arteta will need as many of his troops available as possible if the Gunners are to reach next month's final in Budapest. Both Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze came off injured during Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle but Arsenal have received another major update ahead of the Atleti clash.

It's one that promises to have a huge sway over how things shake out in Madrid this week. Mirror Football provides the latest on all that and more ahead of what could be a historic fortnight for the club.

Rooney dubs Saka return 'absolutely huge'

Wayne Rooney has labelled Bukayo Saka's return to fitness "absolutely huge" at this late stage of the campaign. After almost a month on the sidelines, the England winger made a cameo appearance off the bench to help see out victory over the Magpies.

Saka, 24, signed a lucrative new five-year deal at the Emirates earlier this year despite not enjoying his most vintage season. And Rooney was effusive in his praise of the attacker and what he can offer during the end-of-season run-in.

"Bukayo Saka has been great for Arsenal over the last few years," said the Manchester United icon on The Wayne Rooney Show. "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 comeback could hardly be better given the potential rewards if Arsenal can perfect their form in the coming weeks. And Rooney highlighted the importance of having such a talismanic figure who can be relied upon by his team-mates.

"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 criticised by Marseille boss Beye

In the latest episode of Ethan Nwaneri's disappointing loan spell at Marseille, the teenager has now been targeted for criticism by his own boss. The 19-year-old was an unused substitute as Les Olympiens conceded late to draw 1-1 at home to Nice on Sunday.

Nwaneri was heavily utilised by Roberto De Zerbi after the Italian first brought him in on loan in January. However, Habib Beye has shown nowhere near the same preference for the Englishman since he replaced De Zerbi at the helm.

And the former Newcastle defender took things a step further when quizzed about Nwaneri's absence. Sunday marked the second time in three league games the teen has failed to make it off the bench and Beye's remarks don't suggest a change will come anytime soon.

Speaking to L1+ about Nwaneri's no-show after the disappointing result, 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 former Senegal defender clearly doesn't see in Nwaneri the things De Zerbi admired during their time together. It sets the stage for an underwhelming end to the campaign, even though Marseille have continued to struggle after the managerial change.

The club now sits sixth in Ligue 1 and has likely blown its chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League. With only three games left in Marseille's season, Beye's comments certainly don't suggest Nwaneri's situation is liable to improve before parting ways at the end of this term.