Arsenal lose Madueke

Arsenal’s Champions League quarter‑final first leg against Sporting CP is scheduled for April 7, 2026 at the Estádio José Alvalade. (uefa.com) Madueke was withdrawn inside the first 40 minutes of England’s 1-1 friendly with Uruguay on March 27, 2026 after a challenge from Rodrigo Aguirre and walked through Wembley’s mixed zone wearing a left‑knee brace. (espn.com) England manager Thomas Tuchel said Madueke’s “feeling” was “slightly better” after the game but confirmed the winger, who was released back to Arsenal, would be sidelined “for some days.” (weplayfpl.com) The Athletic (reported by Yahoo) notes Madueke joined Arsenal last summer for roughly £52m and is now being treated as a major doubt for the April 7 first‑leg tie. (uk.sports.yahoo.com) Post‑match scan coverage has been mixed: beIN and Goal highlighted the immediate severity and squad impact, while club‑focused outlets later published scan updates suggesting the knee may not be as serious and a shorter absence is possible. (beinsports.com) Mikel Arteta faces selection choices on the wings with regular starters Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli among the alternatives, and Arsenal had already recalled several players early from the international window because of knocks, compounding the squad management challenge. (sportsmole.co.uk)