Arsenal dealt new injury worry before Champions League final as Mikel Arteta forced into late substitution

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·24 de maio de 2026

Arsenal dealt new injury worry before Champions League final as Mikel Arteta forced into late substitution

Arsenal take on PSG in the Champions League final next weekend

Arsenal have been dealt a new injury scare just days before the Champions League final, after Noni Madueke was forced off during the win against Crystal Palace.

Vídeos OneFootball

Madueke was handed his first start for Arsenal in a month at Selhurst Park on Sunday as Mikel Arteta opted to make nine changes from the 1-0 win over Burnley at the beginning of the week.

With the Gunners already crowned Premier League champions prior to kick-off in the London derby, Arteta took the opportunity to rest some key names before the Budapest showpiece on May 30 against Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Madueke’s involvement could now be in doubt after his outing at Palace came to an end shortly before the final whistle.

The forward, who has also been named in the England World Cup squad, was clutching his left hamstring upon receiving treatment from the Arsenal medical staff. He did get back to his feet and was able to walk over to the sideline before being replaced by Viktor Gyokeres.

There is yet to be an update regarding the severity of the injury, though Standard Sport understands Madueke was not hobbling before or after the Premier League trophy celebrations.

Madueke scored his third Premier League goal of the season shortly after half-time to double the Gunners’ lead and ensure the side head to Hungary on the back of five straight wins in all competitions.

Noni Madueke was replaced by Viktor Gyokeres late on against Crystal Palace

Getty

Christian Norgaard, meanwhile, lasted just 45 minutes on his first Premier League start of the season.

Standard Sport understands that Norgaard was speaking to an Arsenal physio on his way off at half-time prior to being replaced by Kai Havertz, so that might be another injury concern for Arteta.

Mikel Merino, though, did make his return from a four-month injury lay-off by getting 30 minutes under his belt at Selhurst Park. Jurrien Timber missed out on the matchday squad, placing his availability for the Champions League final in further doubt.