Arsenal’s defensive concerns have intensified after Riccardo Calafiori limped off with an injury during Italy’s 3-1 UEFA Nations League triumph over France on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Bologna in the summer, was forced off in the 71st minute after being caught on the back of the leg by Ousmane Dembélé‘s studs.
Calafiori’s injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of absentees, with Mikel Merino already sidelined after suffering an injury during his first training session.
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The €32.5 million signing from Real Sociedad collided with Gabriel Magalhães, leaving him unavailable for selection.
Declan Rice will miss the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur due to suspension.
The midfielder received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away during the Premier League draw with Brighton on August 31.
While Italy coach Luciano Spalletti remains optimistic about Calafiori’s potential return for Monday’s match against Israel.
Spalletti said:
“We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be anxiously awaiting the defender’s assessment. With the Gunners’ injury list growing,
Arteta faces a challenging task in maintaining his team’s momentum in the coming weeks.
