Mikel Arteta provides huge injury update on Noni Madueke and three other Arsenal stars

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed Noni Madueke is set to undergo further scans next week to determine the extent of his knee injury. Initial tests have suggested that the England international is poised to be sidelined for around six to eight weeks.

Madueke picked up the issue during the first half of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City and was later subbed at the interval by Arteta and replaced by the returning Bukayo Saka.

Arteta said ahead of tomorrow's Carabao Cup trip to Port Vale: "It looks like he’ll be sidelined for a few weeks. It seems we’ll need to scan him again next week. He felt something at the start of the match, and at half-time the pain was quite severe."

Madueke is not the only Arsenal star set to miss the midweek trip to the Potteries. Ecuador international defender Piero Hincapie is struggling with a groin issue and was left out of the matchday squad against City.

Arteta said of his deadline day arrival from Bayer Leverkusen: "He picked up a slight groin injury. We need to assess his condition over the next few days.

"The training intensity has changed, and he hasn’t had a proper pre-season. We need to evaluate his condition next week. I believe it’s a short-term injury."

Captain Martin Odegaard has, however, trained as he edges closer towards a comeback.

When asked if he'll need surgery to minimise the risk of sustaining further shoulder issues, Arteta replied convincingly: "No, no. He has already done some training."

Arteta also provided an update on Kai Havertz, who underwent knee surgery last month after picking up a problem in the opening day win at Manchester United.

The Spaniard has indicated the German is not likely to return to action anytime soon, adding: "With Kai we know that it will be months. We don't know with him because he's a different specimen. So far he's progressing really well."

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