Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final after defeating Sporting CP over two legs.
22:31, 15 Apr 2026Updated 23:20, 15 Apr 2026
Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke following Arsenal’s clash against Sporting CP(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Noni Madueke following Arsenal‘s goalless draw to Sporting CP in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The 24-year-old winger was forced to come off during the second half of Wednesday night’s tie after clashing knees with Pedro Gonçalves.
Madueke required on-field medical attention before eventually climbing to his feet. The England international, who was replaced by Max Dowman, limped off the pitch and initially took a seat on the bench.
He then headed down the tunnel, but returned to the dugout a few moments later. Following the full-time whistle, Madueke appeared to be moving rather gingerly while chatting with Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, who both missed the game due to injury.
Speaking to the reporters at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, Arteta confirmed that the former Chelsea forward has suffered a knock. The Arsenal boss said: “I don’t know, it was something in his knee so we had to take him off.”
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Speaking to TNT Sports before he faced the press, Arteta heaped praise on his side. The Spaniard said: “A lot of work. Big gratitude to the players. In the last 15, 20 minutes, we controlled the game really well.
“We controlled the transitions very good. It’s a great night. I’m very happy for all of our people. Yes, it was always going to be [a difficult game]. We had moments in the first half where we probably should have scored.
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“There are moments with the ball where we have to improve a lot, to have more control, dominance, and finish much more actions. Our behaviours, attributes, efforts – the team was outstanding and that’s what takes you through.
“It comes down to making the last step. We are making steps that haven’t been done for 140 years so the players deserve credit. What I love is the ownership the players took after the defeat here against Bournemouth.
“They said things face-to-face and they acted on it. In the dressing room you can say beautiful things, but you need to act on it.”
Noni Madueke limped off the field during the draw to Sporting CP on Wednesday night(Image: 2026 Allstar)
Meanwhile, Declan Rice downplayed concerns that Arsenal are suffering from nerves. The Gunners midfielder said: “I’m delighted. I’m so, so happy. We now want to go one step forward than last season and get to the final.
“Frustrating? No… we’ve just got to another semi-final. Who cares what people think. No frustration, positivity all the way. I’m delighted. Of course, you want to be able to score goals, but most teams that come here, we play against 5-4-1 every time.
“The space ain’t there, and that’s the actual truth. It’s up to us to break it down but we’re playing against top players, every week. Bring on the last few weeks. It’s a rollercoaster.
“No one’s going to hand you anything in this game. Our record this year’s been amazing, all competitions. We’ll be ready for [Sunday], ready to go, and how much do you want it? I know I’ll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let’s go.”
Arsenal will lock horns with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what could be a title race-defining clash. With Bukayo Saka still out, Arteta will hope Madueke makes a speedy recovery.
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