Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Noni Madueke will be unavailable for up to two months after sustaining a knee injury during the club’s 1–1 draw at home against Manchester City.
The extent of the damage, determined through scans conducted the day following the match, means the 23-year-old England international is expected to miss a number of crucial fixtures across both domestic and European competition.
Madueke left the pitch at half-time after being replaced by Bukayo Saka, having experienced discomfort in the knee during the first half. “He had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue,” Arteta said after the game.
Initial fears that the injury could involve the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) appear to have been eased, with reports stating that the ACL is intact, though the injury itself is serious enough to keep him sidelined until likely late November.
Madueke joined Arsenal in the recent summer transfer window from Chelsea for approximately £48.5 million, a sizeable fee reflecting high expectations. Since his arrival, he has impressed with his versatility across the flanks, and was increasingly being relied upon, particularly during periods when Bukayo Saka was recovering from a hamstring injury.
His form went beyond club performances: during England’s latest international break, Madueke scored in a 5-0 victory over Serbia, adding to the growing optimism among Arsenal supporters that he could make a strong impact this season.
With Madueke out, Arsenal face a difficult run of fixtures. He will miss key Premier League matches against the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland. Champions League games are also affected: Arsenal will be without him for upcoming group stage ties, including ones versus Olympiacos, Atlético Madrid, and Slavia Prague.
On top of that, international commitments with England are expected to be impacted, with some qualifiers and friendlies falling during the period he is likely to be unavailable.
This injury compounds an already troubling injury list for Arsenal. Kai Havertz is recovering from knee surgery, while club captain Martin Ødegaard has been out with a shoulder issue.
Other forwards and attackers have also missed games. The absence of Madueke, particularly given his recent form and the faith Arteta has placed in him, represents a significant blow to the squad’s attacking options.
Despite the disappointment, there is cautious optimism in certain quarters. The fact that the ACL has not been damaged is a relief; that sort of injury often brings a much longer road back.
Arsenal will hope that Madueke’s rehabilitation proceeds smoothly and that he can return to contributing before the crucial match against Tottenham in the North London Derby in late November, and other big matches that follow closely.