Mikel Arteta has huge Arsenal selection headache emerging ahead of 'special' star's return
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(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Ciaran Morrison
Mon 15 September 2025 12:00, UK
Noni Madueke is giving Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a huge dilemma when Bukayo Saka returns to full fitness.
Saka’s hamstring injury means he has missed matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, and Madueke has taken advantage of the opportunity to impress Arteta.
Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea to some disdain from the Gunners support, but in the absence of Saka the 23-year-old is now firmly a favourite amongst the support.
The pair are also fighting for the same position in the England team, and Madueke starred against Serbia for the Three Lions to further push himself into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.
Credit: Imago
In Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Madueke completed the most dribbles, created the most chances and won the most duels in the contest.
Madueke is positive down the right flank, with the ability to beat his full back as seen at Liverpool when Milos Kerkez struggled to cope with the winger.
Morato also had an extremely difficult afternoon at Emirates Stadium against Madueke, who is certain to keep his place for the Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao and the upcoming Premier League clash with Man City.
Minutes Played78Touches65Chances Created5Successful dribbles5Ground Duels Won10Noni Madueke stats against Nottingham Forest, as per Fotmob.
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On this form, Arteta cannot comprehend leaving out Madueke, even when Saka returns.
Credit: Imago
Saka has been a mainstay in the Arsenal team over the past few seasons, with the 24-year-old not heavily challenged for his position on the right flank until now.
Facing a race against time to be fit for Man City, it is likely Saka will miss the next two fixtures at least for Arsenal.
Without Saka, who has been labelled ‘special’, Arsenal have not suffered like they did last season when he missed three months of the campaign.
Arteta faces a huge problem when Saka is back fully fit, and how he manages the game time of him and Madueke.
The Spaniard also faces the same issue on the left flank after Eberechi Eze marked his Arsenal debut with an assist against Nottingham Forest.
Gabriel Martinelli, another mainstay of the team in previous season, also faces losing his place as Arteta continues to evolve his Arsenal team.