Declan Rice on ‘real boost’ for Arsenal after Bukayo Saka returns with a goal | OneFootball

Declan Rice believes Bukayo Saka’s return to fitness will be a “real boost” for Arsenal after the winger scored on his return against Fulham.

Saka’s goal in the 73rd minute was the difference in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over London rival Fulham after Mikel Merino had opened the scoring just before half-time.

The win moves Mikel Arteta’s men within nine points of leaders Liverpool and Rice believes Saka’s return to the side will only help the team ahead of a crucial time in the season.

“The reception speaks for itself,” Rice said. “That’s why he’s one of the best wingers in the world because he attacks the box and sniffs the goal. You take them, he’s in the right position at the right time and topped off a great night for him and for us.

“He gives us an outlet. All of our front players are so different and rotate so well. [Gabriel] Martinelli unbelievable tonight, real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo’s goal. With Bukayo back it’s a real boost.

“We know we’re behind them in the league. We can only control what we can do and that’s to win our eight games. We’ve slipped up one too many times this season, we will keep hunting them down and keep putting pressure on them that’s all we can do.”

On what should have been a positive day for the north Londoners, with Saka’s return coinciding with new Sporting Director Andrea Berta in attendance for the first time since his appointment, Gabriel’s hamstring injury early in the first half alongside the absences of Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White put a dampener on proceedings.

Rice hopes the Brazilians injury is not as serious as it looks, with a crucial Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid coming up next week.

“I don’t know what’s happened, I hope he’s OK because he’s been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions.”