After withdrawing from England duty with a knee problem, The Athletic reports that Noni Madueke is expected to miss Arsenal’s next two games, although national team boss Thomas Tuchel says the winger should be out for “some days” rather than weeks.
Madueke was forced off before half-time of Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay after landing awkwardly on his knee in a collision with Rodrigo Aguirre. He was later seen leaving Wembley wearing a brace. Given the nature of knee injuries, there were initial concerns the 24-year-old could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but the early signs appear more positive.
“The assessment, with the picture [scan], was slightly better than his feeling,” explained Tuchel on Monday. “He will be out for some days.”
The player himself posted a fingers-crossed emoji on social media last night.
Tuchel also confirmed that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have returned to Arsenal with his blessing. The pair arrived late to St George’s Park after being granted a few days’ rest and had been in contention to feature against Japan, but were ultimately released to avoid any unnecessary risk.
“They had a medical assessment and wanted desperately to play,” explained the German.
“Let’s get the narrative straight. They wanted desperately to be involved. But it made no sense to take this risk.
“If it would have been the last game of the season, then maybe we would have kept them and tried everything, but at this moment of the season it did not make sense.
“The risk for making it worse was just way too big. They were both in discomfort, clear discomfort, so it made absolutely no sense that they stayed.”
Whether Rice and Saka will be available for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton remains unclear. Similar concerns surround Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi, who have also picked up issues while away on international duty.
The national federations of Spain and Ecuador have both confirmed that the pair have returned to London.
Here’s a round-up of who has done what so far…
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