English-Nigerian winger Noni Madueke suffers injury scare as Arteta explains substitution in Arsenal draw with Man City

Arsenal were dealt a fresh injury worry after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Noni Madueke ‘had an issue’ which forced his withdrawal during the Gunners’ dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

The 23-year-old winger, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer, has quickly become a key figure in Arteta’s frontline while Bukayo Saka recovers from injury.

Madueke, who is of Nigerian heritage, has impressed since his arrival at the Emirates and was one of Arsenal’s brightest players at the Emirates.

His direct running and pace unsettled the City’s  defence, and he almost marked the occasion with his first goal for the club, drawing a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma shortly before half-time.

However, Madueke failed to reappear for the second half, with Saka coming on in his place.

Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time equaliser eventually secured a point for Arsenal, but the attention post-match centred on the winger’s sudden exit.

When asked if the change was tactical, Arteta clarified that it was injury-related. “No, he had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue,” the Spaniard explained to reporters.

The setback comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are already managing several injuries as they navigate a demanding start to the season.

Arteta will hope Madueke’s problem is not serious as the Gunners look to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.