Noni Madueke was forced off through injury in England's friendly against Uruguay on Friday evening.
The Arsenal star was named in the starting XI for the clash at Wembley Stadium. He would have been hoping to impress Thomas Tuchel with the World Cup just a few months away.
However, disaster struck in the 37th minute as the 24-year-old collapsed to the turf following a challenge from Rodrigo Aguirre. Madueke could not continue and was replaced by Jarrod Bowen.
The match finished 1-1, with Ben White's opener being cancelled out by Federico Valverde's stoppage-time penalty.
How Long Madueke Could Be Out For
Noni Madueke
After the match, Madueke was spotted in a knee brace as he left the stadium, sparking concerns he may have suffered a serious injury.
X user @physioscout, an injury expert, has now predicted how long Madueke will be out for after reviewing footage of the incident. They wrote:
"My worry is more so the landing than the initial contact with the Uruguay player. High velocity driving the knee into valgus force brings concern for an MCL injury.
"Knee brace usually indicated when instability is present. He'll need to wear a brace for a few weeks if confirmed to be a ligamentous injury."
After predicting Madueke has suffered an MCL injury which could sideline him for just one week or over eight weeks, they added: "Other possible diagnoses are a bony contusion and a lower-grade PCL injury here which usually facilitate a quick recovery. But more likely an MCL injury here. Further diagnostic tests will be needed to determine the extent of the injury."
Thomas Tuchel Speaks Out About Madueke's Injury
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel gave his take on Madueke's injury after the match. He said, per the Independent: “I'm worried, of course, because I think he was a difference-maker today. He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go.
“And I think against a team like Uruguay, who relies on one-against-ones, to isolate them there and to go in one-against-ones from every minute out there, the spaces open up and he could have been a key pHe said, layer for us, which he is. Very sad and upset and hopefully it's not a big injury."
Madueke is one of eight England players that have been sent home following the match against Uruguay. Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and George Russell have also left England's camp due to injury.