Mikel Arteta Reveals New Arsenal Injury Blow After Man City Draw

Mikel Arteta confirms fresh Arsenal injury blow as Noni Madueke joins growing list of sidelined stars after Man City draw.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed another injury blow for his squad after their hard-fought 1–1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Martinelli rescued a late point for the Gunners after Erling Haaland’s early opener, but the game was overshadowed by Noni Madueke’s injury.

Madueke, who joined Arsenal in a surprise £52 million summer transfer from Chelsea, was one of the most dangerous players on the pitch in the first half. His pace and direct play on the right wing troubled City’s defense, but he forced off at halftime and replaced by Bukayo Saka.

Initially, fans assumed the substitution was tactical. However, Arteta later confirmed in his post-match press conference that Madueke picked up an issue early in the game.

“He had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue,” Arteta explained.

Arsenal’s Injury Crisis Deepens

Madueke’s setback adds to Arsenal’s growing injury crisis. Key players Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined, while Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Ben White have only just returned from their own injuries.

With Liverpool five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Arsenal’s mounting injuries could threaten their title challenge if squad depth continues to be tested.

Arteta’s team selection also came under scrutiny. He chose to start Mikel Merino instead of Eberechi Eze, partnering him with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield. Without Ødegaard’s creativity, Arsenal struggled to break through City’s lines.

The introduction of Eze and Saka after halftime injected new energy, helping the Gunners fight back and eventually secure the draw.

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Under Pressure

With Arsenal sitting second in the Premier League, Arteta faces a crucial challenge: keeping his squad competitive while navigating this injury storm. The Gunners have shown resilience, but their ambitions depend on how quickly players like Madueke, Ødegaard, and Jesus return to action.

Arsenal fans now await official updates on Madueke’s condition as the team prepares for its next Premier League fixture. Arteta’s ability to balance injuries and tactics will be key to sustaining their title push.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.

All links on ArsenalTalks Shop are affiliate links. We may earn commissions that support our content—at no extra cost to you. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure for more information.