Saka has just returned, but Arsenal loses another attacking star due to injury.

After the tense draw with Man City last weekend, Arsenal continues to deal with unfortunate news as newcomer Noni Madueke got injured and might be out for a long time.

Arsenal has received disappointing news that Noni Madueke, the English newcomer valued at £48.5 million, will be out for a long time due to a knee injury. During the big match against Manchester City last weekend, the 23-year-old had to leave the field right after the first half, making way for Bukayo Saka.

Initially, coach Mikel Arteta mentioned that Madueke felt discomfort in his knee from the start of the match. According to The Athletic, this injury might keep him out for up to two months.

Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea during the summer transfer window and was expected to share the workload with Saka on the right wing. However, with Saka also striving to return from injury, Madueke’s surgery means Arteta loses a crucial player during a critical phase.

Not only Madueke, but Arsenal’s injury list has also grown longer with Kai Havertz (knee surgery in August) and Gabriel Jesus (anterior cruciate ligament tear in January). Captain Martin Odegaard has also been unable to play recently due to shoulder issues. This forces Arteta to rotate his squad frequently, especially in the forward line, which already lacks stability.

Arsenal began the season aiming to end three consecutive runner-up finishes. However, on the pitch, Arteta’s squad still struggles against direct rivals. After a narrow win over Manchester United, the “Gunners” lost to Liverpool and could only draw with Man City in stoppage time.

With Liverpool maintaining strong form and Man City trying to bounce back, Arsenal’s continual loss of key players will significantly impact the title race. The depleted squad forces Arteta to rethink tactics and make the most of young players and substitutes.

Nevertheless, the North London club has shown strength against weaker opponents, easily defeating Nottingham Forest and Leeds early in the season. If they can overcome this injury crisis, Arsenal could return strongly during the decisive part of the campaign.