Wayne Rooney highlights Bukayo Saka’s importance for Arsenal

Wayne Rooney has underlined just how vital Bukayo Saka is to Arsenal, especially with the winger returning at a decisive moment in the season.

The former England captain called Saka a “really important” player whose presence can lift the entire team.

“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.

“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,” Saka has said.

With Arsenal pushing hard in the run-in, Saka’s return to full fitness is viewed as a major boost for Mikel Arteta’s side and their hopes of finishing the campaign strongly.

Saka has played 24 games, scored six goals, and assisted three in the Premier League this season.