England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed concern over the injury sustained by Arsenal winger Noni Madueke during Friday's friendly against Uruguay at Wembley. The 24-year-old was forced off seven minutes before half-time after a heavy collision with Uruguay striker Rodrigo Aguirre, landing awkwardly on his left knee.
Madueke, who started on the right wing in the absence of rested teammate Bukayo Saka, was seen limping through the mixed zone after the 1-1 draw wearing a brace on his left leg. Tuchel said: “I'm worried, of course. Very sad and upset and hopefully it's not a big injury. He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go.”
Arsenal are now waiting to assess Madueke's condition as manager Mikel Arteta faces a growing injury list ahead of crucial FA Cup and Champions League quarter-final ties against Southampton and Sporting respectively. Saka and Declan Rice, who were rested against Uruguay, are returning to Arsenal for medical assessment and will miss Tuesday's friendly against Japan.
Defenders William Saliba, Gabriel, and Leandro Trossard withdrew from international duty after knocks sustained in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Jurrien Timber, who missed that final, along with captain Martin Odegaard and long-term absentee Mikel Merino, are also sidelined. Eberechi Eze could be out for four to six weeks with a calf injury, while Riccardo Calafiori played the full 90 minutes for Italy despite initial pain.
