Arsenal latest: Manager demands ‘more commitment’ from star after ‘absolutely huge’ update

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• Arsenal
• Arsenal News
• Bukayo Saka

Arsenal latest: Manager demands 'more commitment' from star after 'absolutely huge' update

Arsenal have been handed major squad news ahead of the Champions League semi-finals

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Having briefly reclaimed top spot in the Premier League, Arsenal's attention now turns to a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners remain in contention to secure a trophy double this season, beginning with Wednesday's first leg against Diego Simeone's outfit.

Mikel Arteta will require his full squad at his disposal if the Gunners are to progress to next month's final in Budapest. Both Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze suffered injuries during Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Newcastle, though Arsenal have received another significant update ahead of the Atleti encounter.

It's news that could prove decisive in determining the outcome in Madrid this week. And football.london brings you the latest developments ahead of what promises to be a potentially historic fortnight for the club.

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Nwaneri slammed by Marseille boss

In the latest chapter of Ethan Nwaneri's troubled loan stint at Marseille, the teenager's commitment has now been called into question by his own manager. The 19-year-old remained on the bench as Les Olympiens surrendered a late equaliser in Sunday's 1-1 home draw with Nice.

Nwaneri featured prominently under Roberto De Zerbi following the Italian's decision to bring him in on loan in January. Nevertheless, Habib Beye has demonstrated considerably less faith in the Englishman since assuming control.

The former Newcastle defender went further still when questioned regarding Nwaneri's omission. Sunday was the second time in three league matches the teenager has remained unused on the bench, and Beye's comments suggest little prospect of that changing.

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Speaking to L1+ about Nwaneri's absence following 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 ex-Senegal defender evidently fails to recognise in Nwaneri the qualities De Zerbi valued throughout their collaboration. This paves the way for an anticlimactic end to his loan stint despite Marseille's continued struggles following the managerial transition.

The club currently occupies sixth in Ligue 1 and has probably squandered its opportunity to secure Champions League football for next term. With only three fixtures remaining in Marseille's campaign, Beye's remarks certainly indicate Nwaneri's circumstances are unlikely to improve before his departure at season's end.

Saka's return 'absolutely huge'

Wayne Rooney has described Bukayo Saka's fitness comeback as "absolutely huge" at this crucial juncture of the season. Following nearly a month absent through injury, the England winger featured as a substitute to help secure victory against the Magpies.

Saka, 24, committed his future to the club with a lucrative new five-year contract at the Emirates earlier this year, despite enduring a below-par campaign by his standards. Rooney was full of admiration for the forward and the contribution he can make during the season's climax.

"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."

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The timing of Saka's return could scarcely be more opportune considering the potential prizes on offer should Arsenal hit their stride over the coming weeks. Rooney emphasised the significance of possessing such an influential figure whom team-mates can depend upon.

"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."

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