Arsenal's injury crisis worsens as another star is forced off against Sporting Lisbon in major blow ahead of title run-in
Arsenal have suffered another injury blow, with Noni Madueke forced off during their clash with Sporting Lisbon.
The English winger was involved in a heavy collision with Pedro Goncalves in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, which the Gunners went on to draw 0-0 and progress 1-0 on aggregate.
Madueke stayed down and it became apparent he could not carry on.
He then made his way to the bench before trudging down the tunnel at the Emirates to be further examined by medical staff.
Madueke came off an hour into the game after he was given the nod to start on the right.
Teenage sensation Max Dowman came on to replace him and could be in line for more minutes if Madueke faces a spell on the treatment table.
Noni Madueke came off injured after this collision in the second half at the Emirates
It was not clear what kind of injury the winger sustained, though it appeared as though the blow landed to his midriff.
The injury comes just weeks after he was forced off while on England duty in a friendly against Uruguay.
On that occasion, Madueke was also substituted after a heavy collision.
The concern will be that Madueke will miss a crucial spell for the Gunners, with the Premier League and Champions League still to play for.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all missed Wednesday's game through injury having also been omitted from the defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend.
Arteta will be desperate for the return of his key men as soon as possible, with Sunday's potentially title-deciding game away at Man City looming large on the horizon.
But they will be buoyed by advancing to the Champions League semi-finals, despite failing to win the game.
There were plenty of nerves for the second leg on Wednesday night but the defence stood firm, meaning Kai Havertz' goal from the away game proved decisive in the tie.
