Madueke started in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Man City in the 5th round of the Premier League on 21/9/2025 but left the pitch at halftime due to a knee injury. The 23-year-old is expected to be out for approximately two months, missing 11 of Arsenal's upcoming matches. He is projected to return for the Champions League match against Bayern on 26/11.

In a press conference before the third-round League Cup match against Port Vale, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Madueke's multi-week absence. The Spanish manager revealed that Madueke had been experiencing pain since the beginning of the Man City match, attempted to continue playing, but ultimately had to be substituted at halftime.

"He's in good form, a key player for creating chances, and is bringing stability to our game, so this absence is a big loss," Arteta admitted.

Noni Madueke (red shirt) dribbles during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Man City in the fifth round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 21/9/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Noni Madueke (red shirt) dribbles during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Man City in the fifth round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 21/9/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Since the start of 2025, Arsenal has suffered 12 injuries to their attacking players, equaling the number of goals scored by their forwards during the same period.

Bukayo Saka has had two hamstring tears, Gabriel Jesus has only played for about two weeks due to a knee injury, and Kai Havertz has sustained two major injuries, limiting him to less than 45 minutes in the Premier League over the past six months. Gabriel Martinelli was also sidelined for a month at the beginning of the year, while captain Martin Odegaard has twice left the pitch due to shoulder injuries.

The last time manager Mikel Arteta had a fully fit attack was in the 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace in 12/2024. In that match, the "Gunners" started with five attacking players: Saka, Jesus, Martinelli, Odegaard, and Havertz.

Madueke's injury is a significant blow to Arteta's plans, as the Champions League has begun and the Premier League enters a crucial phase. Havertz and Jesus are also currently sidelined with long-term injuries.

Reflecting on the series of injuries, Arteta asserted that most were simply unfortunate. He explained: "The cases of Madueke and Havertz were unlucky. With Odegaard, he injured his shoulder twice in the same fall, which is very rare. Saka's injuries were muscle-related, and we've analyzed them carefully to learn from them. Arsenal always tries to keep the risks to a minimum."

In the summer of 2025, Arsenal acquired Madueke from Chelsea for a total fee of 69 million USD, a move met with strong opposition from the club's fans. However, the English midfielder quickly integrated into the team, dispelling any doubts.

Madueke started in 4 of the first 5 Premier League rounds, playing flexibly on both wings. The 23-year-old was also called up to the England national team by manager Thomas Tuchel, where he scored his first international goal in a 5-0 victory over Serbia in a World Cup 2026 qualifier last month.

Hong Duy (ESPN, Sky Sports)