Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Noni Madueke was “really worried” that he had suffered another major knee injury when he was forced off during England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay last week.
The winger was seen leaving Wembley limping heavily with a strapping on his left leg. However, Arteta has confirmed that the injury was nowhere near as bad as first feared:
“It looked really bad. Noni was really worried, especially after what happened in his other knee a few weeks out and he was out for six weeks.”
“But no, it’s nowhere near that injury. That was really good news.”
Madueke is expected to be back within a matter of days
The 24-year-old missed 12 matches with an injury to his right knee earlier this season, and while he is not expected to be out for as many fixtures this time, he won’t be ready to face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final this weekend.
When asked if Madueke could be back in action in a matter of days, Arteta replied: “I think so”. That is a very good sign.
Other Arsenal injury news
Arteta did not give a rundown of every player’s fitness. You can read our comprehensive update from earlier this week here. However, he did provide an update on several members of the first team squad ahead of the FA Cup tie.
Captain Martin Odegaard has recovered from a knee problem that has kept him sidelined since the North London derby, while Jurrien Timber will also return from an ankle injury.
Eberechi Eze remains on the treatment table with a calf issue, but Arteta did hint that the midfielder could make an earlier-than-expected comeback. He is currently set to be unavailable for another four weeks, having missed the Carabao Cup final last month.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
