Noni Madueke injury leaves Arsenal sweating ahead of key Champions League tie
Arsenal have been handed an injury concern after Noni Madueke suffered a knee problem while on international duty with England.
The 24-year-old winger is now a doubt for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP after being forced off during England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday.
Madueke started the match but was substituted in the 38th minute after going down following a challenge from Rodrigo Aguirre. He limped off the pitch and was replaced by Jarrod Bowen before heading straight down the tunnel.
After the game, Madueke was seen wearing a knee brace as he walked through the mixed zone and appeared to be in discomfort, raising concerns about the severity of the injury.
However, reports suggest the issue may not be as serious as initially feared. According to The Athletic, the injury is considered minor, though it is still expected to keep him out of Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League match against Southampton.
His availability for the Champions League clash with Sporting CP remains uncertain. Arsenal are due to travel to Lisbon on Tuesday, 7 April, for the first leg before hosting Bournemouth on Saturday, 11 April. The return leg against Sporting will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, 15 April.
With a match against Manchester City also approaching, the upcoming fixtures represent a crucial period for Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping Madueke can recover in time to play a role during this important stretch of the season.
Following the international fixture, England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted he was concerned about the injury. However, speaking ahead of the team’s next match against Japan, he suggested that Madueke could be out for only “some days”.
The situation adds to the challenges facing Arsenal as they prepare for a series of key matches across multiple competitions. With both domestic and European fixtures approaching, squad fitness will be an important factor in maintaining their performance levels.
Madueke’s potential absence could affect Arsenal’s attacking options, particularly given the importance of the upcoming Champions League tie. His involvement in the squad will likely depend on how quickly he recovers from the knee issue in the coming days.
For now, the club will continue to monitor his condition as they prepare for their next matches. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, leaving Arsenal waiting for further updates ahead of their trip to Portugal.