Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions could hinge on player fitness during the final stretch of the season, and concerns have emerged after Noni Madueke suffered an injury while on international duty with England.
The winger was forced off during England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley, raising fears of another setback for Mikel Arteta’s squad at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Madueke was brought down in the first half and attempted to continue before eventually being substituted shortly before the break. England manager Thomas Tuchel later admitted he was worried about the injury, with the Arsenal attacker reportedly leaving Wembley wearing a knee brace, prompting concerns about the severity of the issue.
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The timing of the setback is particularly concerning for Arsenal, who are currently navigating a demanding run-in across domestic competitions. With several players already managing fitness issues, losing Madueke could significantly impact squad depth, especially on the wings where Bukayo Saka has also been heavily relied upon this season.
Following the incident, reports have now emerged that Arsenal are taking no risks, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Madueke all set to return to the club early from international duty. England confirmed that both Saka and Rice would return to Arsenal for medical assessments, while Madueke is expected to undergo further checks after sustaining his injury against Uruguay.
The decision is understood to be precautionary, particularly given the importance of the upcoming fixtures. Arsenal remain firmly in the title race, and Arteta is keen to ensure his key players are fully fit ahead of the final weeks of the campaign.
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Saka and Rice have both been central to Arsenal’s success this season, with the winger providing creativity in attack and Rice anchoring the midfield.
Madueke’s injury adds to concerns for the Gunners, with the club already carefully managing workloads following a demanding schedule. The England winger has played an increasingly important role in recent weeks, offering pace and directness from wide areas and providing valuable rotation options for Arteta.
While the extent of Madueke’s injury remains unclear, Arsenal’s decision to recall all three players underlines the importance of maintaining squad fitness. With the title race intensifying, Arteta will hope the early returns help minimise risk and ensure his key players are ready for the decisive closing stages of the season.
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