Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury blow as winger Noni Madueke was forced off during the second half of their Champions League match against Sporting CP. The 22-year-old appeared to suffer a knee injury and was seen limping off the pitch with the assistance of medical staff, being replaced by Max Dowman.
The setback comes at a critical time for Mikel Arteta, with a top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Manchester City looming at the weekend. Arsenal are already without Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, who have been absent since the international break. Arteta had earlier hinted that one of the duo could return for the Sporting game, stating: 'Maybe one of them, let's see.'
On Saka's absence, Arteta revealed an ongoing Achilles issue: 'It was something that he was carrying for a while.' Meanwhile, captain Martin Odegaard has missed the last two matches after picking up a knee injury in the first leg against Sporting. In his programme column, Odegaard said: 'I caught it a little bit against Sporting, but hopefully it shouldn't be too bad. I'm desperate to get back as soon as possible.'
Madueke's injury adds to Arteta's concerns as Arsenal prepare for a pivotal fixture against the league leaders. The Gunners are already dealing with a congested schedule, balancing Premier League and Champions League ambitions.
