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Arsenal’s potential injury crisis could have a huge effect on the title race this season but of all the current problems in the international break, there is one standout issue.
The Gunners have seen more than 10 players either drop out of squads either for precautionary reasons or in Piero Hincapie and Noni Madueke’s case, potentially serious injuries.
At a crucial stage of the season, Mikel Arteta knows he needs everyone fit but it is actually the injury to Madueke which could sting the most.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesNoni Madueke is Arsenal’s biggest injury loss
It really is unprecedented the amount of injuries we are seeing among this Arsenal team right now.
Sure, some of them will be minor and the likes of Rice, Saka and Odegaard will be expected to be fit for the return of league action in a few weeks.
PlayerWithdrawal reasonNoni MaduekeKneeBukayo SakaPrecautionDeclan RicePrecautionWilliam SalibaAnkleGabrielKneeLeandro TrossardHipJurrien TimberAnkleMartin OdegaardKneeEberechi EzeCalfPiero HincapieMuscleMartin ZubimendiKnee
However, the injury to Noni Madueke could be a big problem for Arsenal.
Madueke has emerged as a key player in recent months and is now seemingly a shoo-in for the England World Cup squad this summer as well. For Arsenal, Madueke missing for the run-in is a big issue.
We all know that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are not at their best this season and Madueke’s performances either off the bench or when starting have been a breath of fresh air.
Madueke’s output in terms of goals and assists has not been massive but he did provide the assist in the recent draw in Leverkusen, while he’s also featured in 11 of the last 13 Premier League games.
With Madueke’s ability to play on either flank if needed and the fact he brings pace and a direct style to the team, he will be a big loss if he out injured for a while.
How many games do you think Ayden Heaven would have played for Arsenal if he’d not signed for Man United?
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Coupled with Eberechi Eze also potentially being out for weeks, and suddenly Arsenal’s creative options look minimal.
Realistically, if both players do miss games, then it is imperative that the likes of Odegaard and Saka really step up and get back to somewhere near their best.
This is the time of the season when it’s time for the big players to produce. Madueke’s injury adds extra pressure on them to do just that.
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