Arsenal rule Noni Madueke out for two months with knee injury
Two-month knee injury sidelines forward as Arsenal also cope with injuries to Odegaard, Havertz and Jesus
LONDON — Arsenal have been dealt a fresh setback with Noni Madueke ruled out for two months due to a knee injury, The Athletic reported on Monday. Madueke suffered the issue during the first half of Arsenal's 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester City on Sunday and was forced off at halftime. Scans on Monday indicated there was no rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament, a relief to the forward, manager Mikel Arteta and England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Arsenal are already without captain Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, leaving Arteta short of attacking options as the season progresses. The two-month lay-off means Madueke is likely to miss at least 11 Arsenal fixtures, with the potential for more if the team advances in the Carabao Cup.
The timeline also suggests he would miss at least one international window with England next month, and it is currently unlikely he would feature in November as well, according to The Athletic. The development compounds Arteta’s selection headaches as Arsenal balance a busy schedule across domestic cups and the Premier League, after a start to the campaign that had supporters hopeful of a deep run this season.
The club has stressed the importance of managing players’ workload amid a congested fixtures list, and Madueke’s setback adds to a growing need for squad depth as Arsenal navigate a demanding period with several key players sidelined.