Mikel Arteta was hit with another injury as Noni Madueke appeared to suffer a knee problem in the second half of Arsenal’s Champions League game against Sporting CP. Madueke went to the ground midway through the second period and required attention, but it was quickly determined that he was unable to continue.
Maduke was seen on television cameras staggering off the pitch with the support of Arsenal’s medical staff. Max Dauman was used in place of the winger. Maduke sat in the Arsenal dugout for several minutes before heading down the tunnel to receive further treatment in the changing room.
Arsenal held a 1-0 lead in the first leg in Portugal and will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, who held Sporting to a goalless draw at the Emirates.
However, with Bukayo Saka also absent, Maduke’s potential injury will be an issue for Arteta in this weekend’s training match against the Emirates, which hosts Manchester City.
“It was something he had for a while,” Arteta said of Saka’s injury ahead of the game against Sporting. “That was Achilles’ problem.”
Saka has not featured since before the international break and was also withdrawn from England camp for the final game before the World Cup.
Julian Timber, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafioli continued to be absent for the second European leg, although Declan Rice is available again following recent fitness concerns.
If Arteta is without both Maduke and Saka when Pep Guardiola’s side travel to London, he could be forced to call on Dauman to play on the right flank.
The 16-year-old was given a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, but Arteta could ask for either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli to play on the right.
Alternatively, Gabriel Jesus could play the role given to him at Manchester City, where he worked alongside Arteta before moving to north London.
