Arsenal summer signing Noni Madueke has already returned to training, and he’ll link up with the rest of Mikel Arteta’s squad this week.
Noni Madueke has had to be patient waiting to link up with the Arsenal squad in pre-season, as he was required to take a holiday immediately after signing for the club.
The winger had been away with Chelsea at the Club World Cup over the summer, so he couldn’t start his holidays until much later than many of his new teammates.
Simon Collings reports for The Standard that Madueke has now cut that holiday short, returning to training last week.
Madueke was reportedly keen to join Arsenal on the pre-season tour, but the club wouldn’t allow it given the player’s need for a break. The 23-year-old spent time working with his individual coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst over his holiday to keep himself fit.
The Arsenal squad flew back from Hong Kong last Thursday, and Collings reports that the players were then given a few days off before returning to training on Monday.
Madueke will link up with his new teammates this week at last, and he’s hoping to make his debut in one of Arsenal’s friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Club.
It’s unfortunate that the timing of Chelsea’s schedule restricted Madueke’s involvement in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations. But it’s only because the player cut short his tournament and then cut short his holiday that he’s even available this early.
Arsenal fans will be keen to see where Mikel Arteta uses Madueke, as the player is capable of operating on both flanks. This week’s friendlies could give us our first clue at the plan for the England international.