🚨 Noni Madueke is expected to be OUT for around 2 months with a knee injury. 📷

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is set to be out for around two months after suffering a knee injury during the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday. The 23-year-old was forced off at half-time and replaced by Bukayo Saka, who had just returned from a hamstring issue. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Madueke struggled early in the match and could not continue, but scans revealed he has avoided anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. Even so, he will miss a run of important fixtures for Arsenal as well as at least one international window with England.

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Madueke’s absence adds to Arsenal’s growing list of injury concerns. Kai Havertz remains sidelined following knee surgery, while Gabriel Jesus has been out since tearing his ACL in January. Captain Martin Odegaard has also been managing a shoulder problem, leaving Arteta with limited attacking options. Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer for £48.5 million and has featured in all six matches this season, impressing with his direct play and creativity. His injury is a setback for a team still seeking consistency early in the campaign.

Madueke’s absence is a significant blow given his impact since joining Arsenal. With Saka missing several weeks earlier in the season, the former Chelsea man stepped up to energize the right wing, most notably shining in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. His pace and dribbling gave Arsenal an extra dimension, and fans quickly warmed to his performances. The timing of Saka’s return is therefore crucial, though Arteta will be cautious about overloading him after his recent recovery.

Arsenal may now need to explore other options to cover the right side. Gabriel Martinelli has experience filling in there and even scored the equalizer against Manchester City when cutting in from the right. Youngster Max Dowman, just 15 years old, could also see more minutes after already making two Premier League cameos this season. While Arsenal have more squad depth than in past years, injuries hampered their title challenge last season, and Arteta will be wary of history repeating itself. Madueke is expected back by late November, but if his recovery takes longer, he could miss high-profile clashes against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea.

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