Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals after a 0-0 draw with Sporting, but suffered an injury blow ahead of Sunday’s crucial title race clash with Man City.
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Noni Madueke ahead of Arsenal’s huge clash at Manchester City on Sunday. The 24-year-old winger was forced off during the second half of Wednesday night’s goalless stalemate with Sporting after a knee-to-knee collision with Pedro Goncalves.
Madueke required treatment on the pitch before eventually getting back to his feet. The England international, who was replaced by Max Dowman, hobbled off the field and initially took his place on the bench.
He subsequently made his way down the tunnel, only to return to the dugout shortly afterwards. After the final whistle, Madueke appeared to be moving rather tentatively while speaking with Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, both of whom had been absent from the match through injury.
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Addressing reporters at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening, Arteta confirmed that the former Chelsea man had picked up a knock. The Arsenal manager said: “I don’t know, it was something in his knee so we had to take him off.”
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of his press conference, Arteta was full of admiration for his squad. The Spaniard said: “A lot of work. Big gratitude to the players. In the last 15, 20 minutes, we controlled the game really well.
“We controlled the transitions very good. It’s a great night. I’m very happy for all of our people. Yes, it was always going to be [a difficult game]. We had moments in the first half where we probably should have scored.
“There are moments with the ball where we have to improve a lot, to have more control, dominance, and finish much more actions. Our behaviours, attributes, efforts – the team was outstanding and that’s what takes you through.
“It comes down to making the last step. We are making steps that haven’t been done for 140 years so the players deserve credit. What I love is the ownership the players took after the defeat here against Bournemouth.
“They said things face-to-face and they acted on it. In the dressing room you can say beautiful things, but you need to act on it.”
Elsewhere, Declan Rice moved to dismiss suggestions that Arsenal are buckling under the weight of expectation. The Gunners midfielder said: “I’m delighted. I’m so, so happy. We now want to go one step forward than last season and get to the final.
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“Frustrating? No… we’ve just got to another semi-final. Who cares what people think. No frustration, positivity all the way. I’m delighted. Of course, you want to be able to score goals, but most teams that come here, we play against 5-4-1 every time.
“The space ain’t there, and that’s the actual truth. It’s up to us to break it down but we’re playing against top players, every week. Bring on the last few weeks. It’s a rollercoaster.
“No one’s going to hand you anything in this game. Our record this year’s been amazing, all competitions. We’ll be ready for [Sunday], ready to go, and how much do you want it? I know I’ll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let’s go.”
Arsenal face City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a potentially pivotal clash in the title race. With Bukayo Saka still sidelined, Arteta will be hoping Madueke makes a swift return to fitness.
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