Italy manager provides update on Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori following freak injury against France… which handed Mikel Arteta a scare ahead of next week’s North London derby
Arsenal could face another long season of injuries after Riccardo Calafiori was forced off the pitch with an injury during Italy’s Nations League win over France.
The defender, who joined the Emirates from Bologna in a £42million move this summer, suffered a knock to his ankle after Ousmane Dembele fell on him after being tackled by Bastoni.
The 22-year-old played just over an hour in the match at the Parc des Princes but was taken off by doctors shortly after the incident with the visitors leading 3-1.
After scenes that undoubtedly worried Mikel Arteta, the defender appeared to be in severe pain as he lay on the ground, while his visibly concerned teammates gathered around him.
However, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has allayed concerns about the seriousness of the injury.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off with an injury during Italy’s 3-1 Nations League win over France
The 22-year-old player suffered a strange injury after Ousmane Dembele fell on him after being tackled by Bastoni.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has allayed concerns about the severity of the injury
Spalletti said: ‘We have to assess Riccardo, but with our staff there is a good chance we will have him back with us for the next match.’
Italy’s next match is next Monday, when they play Israel at the Bozsik Arena in another Nations League match.
While Spalletti hopes Caliofiri will be fit enough to play for the Blues on Monday, many Arsenal fans hope he will be sidelined as a precaution.
Arsenal’s next match after the international break is the North London derby against arch-rivals Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta will be without his full squad anyway and this injury could be a new problem for the Spanish coach.
The Gunners will be without midfielder Declan Rice, who is out due to suspension after being sent off for a bizarre incident against Brighton last week.
Mikel Merino is also absent due to an injury he sustained during his first training session.
Arsenal will be without star player Declan Rice for the North London Derby due to suspension
Arsenal’s £42m summer signing is now also in doubt for the clash of the titans
The Italian defender has made just two appearances for Arsenal since joining last summer, coming on in the second half against Aston Villa and Brighton.
His absence through injury will be sorely missed if he is out for an extended period.
The Gunners have five more games to play before September ends, including fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
