Noni Madueke Faces Extended Spell Out After Latest Injury Blow

Noni Madueke’s knee injury is worse than first feared and the winger is facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Madueke was forced off during the first half of the Gunners’ 1-1 draw away to league leaders Manchester City, a match where Arsenal fought until the last moments to earn a valuable point, reflecting their recent competitive form in the Premier League . He has now missed encounters against Southampton and Watford. It was previously hoped that he would recover in time to face Newcastle next weekend, but that is no longer the case.

The former Chelsea man requires more than just rest and there is a possibility that he may need to undergo surgery to correct the issue. That would result in him missing another significant chunk of the season in yet another setback for the Gunners’ beleaguered front line.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on Madueke’s condition in his pre-match press conference for the Port Vale tie. He said, “For Tuesday, Noni? Probably not. He will go through a procedure but no surgery this week. But probably there is a need of something like that in the next few weeks, depending on how he recovers.”

Arteta then confirmed that surgery is a real possibility, adding, “Yes. At the moment he doesn’t need it, but that could evolve in the next few weeks. It depends also on how he heals. But he has worked immensely well. He has been so good in recovery that we want to give him a chance just to heal naturally. He is going to need a little bit more help.”

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Gunners will take on Port Vale and then Newcastle for the Premier League, before playing for the Champions League in the middle of next week against Olympiacos as they try to go 2 for 2 so far in the group stage. . Arsenal will also face Newcastle in their next Premier League match as they strive to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool.