Thomas Tuchel, England Dealt Concerning News After World Cup Announcement
The England national football team is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel announcing the tournament's 26-man squad and making several bold selections.
The squad included a mix of experienced veterans and some surprising call-ups as England prepares for the newly expanded World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, set to begin in a little over two weeks.
Among those selected was Arsenal forward Noni Madueke, who earned a spot following a season in which he won the Premier League while contributing eight goals and four assists across 42 games in all competitions.
However, a late development during the final match day of the Premier League season has created uncertainty around his availability for the World Cup.
Madueke was substituted in the 83rd minute of Arsenal's season finale against Crystal Palace after scoring in the 48th minute, clutching his left leg as he left the pitch.
The 24-year-old required attention from Arsenal's medical staff on the sidelines, raising concern given the timing so close to the World Cup, his inclusion in the squad, and the possibility of Tuchel being forced to name a replacement.
Noni Madueke was brought off in the 83rd minute clutching his left leg after having scored against Crystal Palace.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 24, 2026
The 24-year-old was included in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup on Friday and will be hoping it is nothing serious.
But first, the small matter of… pic.twitter.com/kNZk3pqbBV
No official diagnosis or recovery timeline has been confirmed following the match, leaving questions about the severity of the issue.
Potential in-squad replacements include Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Gordon. Among those not included in Tuchel's initial 26-man roster are also Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Gibbs-White, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer, who might be called up to replace Madueke if his injury is serious enough to rule him out for the World Cup.
England are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia, but nations must submit their final rosters by June 1, leaving just a week for assessing Madueke's availability for the tournament.
Related: Germany's World Cup Squad Faces Uncertainty After Manuel Neuer News
Related: England's Harry Maguire Makes Stance Clear After Being Left Out of World Cup Squad
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 10:46 AM.