“I’m worried” Thomas Tuchel discusses Noni Madueke’s injury

England manager Thomas Tuchel has voiced concern over Noni Madueke after the winger was forced off with an injury during the national team’s meeting with Uruguay. Madueke, handed a start on the right with Bukayo Saka among the substitutes, had begun the contest brightly, tormenting defenders with his pace and willingness to run directly at opponents. His early exit, minutes before the interval, prompted an unplanned change and cast a shadow over the camp.

Speaking after the final whistle, Tuchel did not hide his disappointment. “I’m worried, of course, because I think he was a difference-maker today,” he told Independent Sport. “He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go. Against a team like Uruguay, who rely on one-against-ones, the spaces open up and he could have been a key player for us, which he is. Very sad and upset, and hopefully it’s not a big injury.”

The setback is particularly untimely. Madueke’s recent showings for club and country have marked him out as an explosive option in the final third, and his availability is now in doubt with important matches on the horizon. Arsenal, who have leaned on the attacker’s form, will await medical updates anxiously as they look to preserve momentum in the season’s decisive weeks.