After watching on as one of Northern Ireland's possible replacements for their home defeat by Portugal on Friday evening, McArdle was once again on the subs bench for the unexpected loss in Luxembourg.
Northern Ireland took the lead through Huddersfield Town's Martin Paterson before a double from the hosts put them in front of the contest.
West Bromwich Albion's Gareth McAuley looked to have saved Northern Ireland's blushes with an equaliser eight minutes from time but a late Luxembourg winner gave them a memorable 3-2 win.
The victory for Luxembourg was only their fourth win in a World Cup qualifier and their first since 1972.
With his latest spell of international duty now complete, McArdle is expected back in England Wednesday evening ahead of his scheduled return to training with Bradford on Thursday.