Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered “good news” on Noni Madueke following an injury scare during the international break.
The winger limped off in the first half of England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay last weekend following a heavy collision with striker Rodrigo Aguirre.
Madueke was later seen leaving the stadium in a leg brace, raising fears he had sustained a serious knee injury like the one that kept him out for a month and a half earlier this season. However, Arteta has reassured concerned fans that it was not as bad as it looked.
Arsenal receive ‘good news’ on Noni Madueke injury
“It’s not bad,” he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
“It looked really bad and Noni was really worried, especially with what happened with his other knee and he was out for six weeks. But it’s nowhere near that injury and that is good news.”
Asked if Madueke will be out for just few days, Arteta replied: “Yes, I think so.”
Elsewhere in the squad, the Gunners boss could not put a timeframe on the return of Eberechi Eze, who has been ruled out of the Southampton game.
Piero Hincapie is a doubt after going off injured while playing for Ecuador, but captain Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could feature this weekend.
“Those are in contention to possibly be in the squad,” Arteta said on the pair, who missed the League Cup final defeat to Manchester City before the international window.
Read – Gabriel Jesus reveals his advice for Rice after Arsenal transfer
See Also – England winners and losers from Thomas Tuchel’s latest camp
