Following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, it was announced by Simon Collings of Standard Sport that Noni Madueke, who was subbed off at halftime, was set to undergo scans on his right knee. The England international, who has been one of Arsenal’s bright spots this season after joining from Chelsea over the summer, sustained an injury during the first half that he played through before being forced off at halftime for Bukayo Saka.
There is little to report beyond what has been reported
at this moment, but it rarely feels like good news when a scan is scheduled. The early rumors seem to indicate that it is not an ACL injury, which would be a huge relief, but that doesn’t eliminate any other number of issues that could see that attacker sidelined for several months.
Worse yet for the player is that this comes ahead of World Cup year. He received a call-up from Thomas Tuchel over the first international break earlier in the month and scored his first ever international goal against Serbia, looking to give the England manager food for thought as he begins finalizing his roster before next summer’s contest. A lengthy setback could keep him from consideration, which would be a huge blow considering his form since joining the Gunners.
Madueke’s injury is yet another on the ever-growing list of sidelined Arsenal players this season. While last season saw a slew of hamstring issues from players being overplayed, the nature of the vast majority of the injuries this season have all been impact injuries. As it stands, Arsenal have endured the following since the season began:
- Kai Havertz – Knee injury late against Manchester United that required surgery, out till November
- Bukayo Saka – Hamstring strain against Leeds United, out for 4 weeks
- Martin Ødegaard – Shoulder injury against Leeds, on the bench for Liverpool
- William Saliba – Ankle injury against Liverpool, out for 3 weeks
- Martin Ødegaard – Shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest, currently out
- Noni Madueke – Knee injury against Manchester City, timeline unknown
Whatever injury gods Arsenal have aggrieved, can you please give us a break?
