Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is reportedly facing two months on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City. The England international was taken off at half-time, with the Gunners trailing following Erling Haaland‘s effort, and he was replaced by Bukayo Saka.
The decision perplexed many, with Madueke one of Mikel Arteta‘s top performers in the opening 45 minutes. But the head coach confirmed that Madueke had picked up an issue, which has since been revealed to be a knee injury that Arsenal feared the worst about.
The Athletic claim that Madueke is expected to be sidelined for around two months, though it is understood that he has avoided a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 23-year-old, who has excelled since joining from Chelsea in the summer, underwent tests on his knee on Monday and Arteta is expected to provide a full update during his press conference on Tuesday.
After clinching a draw against City, Arteta said that Madueke “had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue.”
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Concerning footage then appeared as Madueke was spotted limping into the dressing room at full-time, to celebrate Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser.
Arteta will bemoan Arsenal‘s continued misfortune in the injury department this season, with Saka and captain Martin Odegaard among several key players to miss matches.
Kai Havertz underwent knee surgery last month while Gabriel Jesus remains out after tearing his ACL in January, leaving summer signing Viktor Gyokeres as the only recognised striker at the club.
William Saliba had been out with an ankle sprain, but returned for the visit of fellow title contenders City to the Emirates on Sunday.
Arsenal are set to make mass changes for their Carabao Cup trip to Port Vale, with Christian Norgaard expected to make his first start for the club after injury scuppered his start to the campaign.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could make his maiden bow, while Piero Hincapie, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly all hoping for starts.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk