Arsenal winger Noni Madueke faces approximately two months on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. The 23-year-old started the match but was substituted at half-time for the returning Bukayo Saka.
Head coach Mikel Arteta revealed,
“He had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue,”
according to The Standard.
Madueke becomes the latest forward to suffer injury setbacks at Arsenal. Kai Havertz remains sidelined after knee surgery in late August, while Gabriel Jesus tore his ACL in January. This leaves summer signing Victor Gyokeres as the club’s only recognized No. 9.
Arsenal’s injury woes extend to captain Martin Odegaard, who has struggled with a shoulder problem early this season.
Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer for an initial fee of £48.5 million ($65.5m). He has played in all six of Arsenal’s matches this season. The club has won three of its first five Premier League games. Their next fixture is against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.
A Significant Blow for Arsenal’s Attack
Madueke’s absence represents a setback for Arteta’s forward options. Although not a high-profile signing, Madueke has impressed with his energy and attacking threat, especially during Bukayo Saka’s recent injury spell. His standout performance came in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, where his dribbling and crossing proved vital.
Saka’s return helps fill the gap on the right wing, but Arteta will likely manage his minutes carefully due to Saka’s recent hamstring injury.
Gabriel Martinelli has occasionally filled the right-wing role, scoring an equalizer against Manchester City. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Max Dowman has also earned brief Premier League appearances on the right and may see more opportunities during Madueke’s recovery.
Injuries hampered Arsenal’s silverware hopes last season. Although the team has depth, losing Madueke during this critical period complicates Arteta’s plans. Arsenal faces two international breaks during Madueke’s recovery window and will return in November for crucial matches against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea.
If Madueke isn’t fit by then, Arsenal will enter December with important games against Brentford, Aston Villa, and Club Brugge.
