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It was yet another occasion to celebrate for Arsenal as the 2025–26 Premier League campaign came to a close, with the only dampener being a concerning injury to Noni Madueke.
The title lift Gunners fans had waited 22 years for, one they had dreamed about in vivid detail ever since Manchester City could no longer pose a threat, finally arrived at Selhurst Park. Arsenal were confirmed as champions on Tuesday evening, igniting wild celebrations across north London well into the early hours of Wednesday.
Sunshine greeted them on a glorious Bank Holiday weekend across the United Kingdom. Their 2–1 win at Crystal Palace was almost beside the point. The players and supporters simply wanted to revel in the joy of their long-overdue title and make sure everyone came through in one piece.
However, the newly crowned champions did suffer a worrying moment south of the Thames.
Noni Madueke Suffers Injury Scare Ahead of Champions League Final
Mikel Arteta was able to rotate his squad comfortably with less than a week to go before the Champions League final, where Paris Saint-Germain await in Budapest. Those expected to feature in the Hungarian capital were sensibly given a rest, with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice named among the unused substitutes, and William Saliba left out of the matchday squad entirely.
Saka is expected to play the full 90 minutes in the final, but Madueke has been relied upon to provide an alternative option since his arrival from Chelsea last summer. The winger, who earned a call-up to England's World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel, has not contributed heavily in the final third, netting only his second Premier League goal of the season on Sunday. Nevertheless, he offers directness and the ability to bring pace to Arsenal's attacking play.
Madueke figures to be a useful option from the bench against PSG, but his availability for the final was thrown into question after he was forced off late in the match at Selhurst Park with what appeared to be a minor knock. The winger clutched the back of his left leg while speaking with the physio on the pitch and appeared to be in noticeable discomfort.
While Arteta offered no update on Madueke's condition after the game, The Standard reported that the winger was moving freely during the title celebrations. There was no sign of a limp, which is a positive indication.
Will Jurriën Timber Be Ready for Champions League Final?
Mikel Merino's return from foot surgery means Arsenal's injury list is now down to just two right backs.
The knee injury Ben White picked up against West Ham United earlier this month ended his World Cup aspirations, while Jurriën Timber has been sidelined since March due to a groin problem.
Arteta had expressed optimism that the Dutchman could play some role in next week's final, but his omission from the matchday squad on Sunday strongly suggests Timber is unlikely to be ready to go up against one of the most dangerous players in world football right now. As a result, Cristhian Mosquera will in all likelihood be tasked with marking Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Timber's continued absence would represent a notable setback for Arsenal, even with Mosquera having shown impressive composure when called upon throughout his debut season at the club.
The young defender has yet to face anyone quite like 'Kvaradona' when he is playing at this level of form.