Arsenal injury WORRY: Riccardo Calafiori forced off on Italy duty

Cameron Smith

6 Sep 2024 16:00 CDT
3 min read

Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal, 2024 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have been handed an injury scare after summer signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off during Italy’s win over France on Friday night.

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The 22-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Bologna for €45 million after a stellar campaign in Serie A, started for Italy, but he was substituted due to what appears to have been a calf problem.

France attacker Ousmane Dembele was catapulted into the air after being tackled by Alessandro Bastoni and his left foot slammed into Calafiori’s calf as he fell.

The Italy defender immediately required medical attention and after limping for several minutes, he was replaced by Alessandro Buongiorno.

Calafiori is yet to start his first game for Arsenal, but he has come off the bench in both of their past two Premier League fixtures. Jurrien Timber, who spent the entirety of his debut campaign injured, started at left-back in both games.

It remains to be seen if Calafiori’s injury is serious, however it will come as a hammer blow to Mikel Arteta, who is already without fellow new signing Mikel Merino due to a fractured shoulder suffered in Arsenal training.

In addition, the Gunners will also be without Declan Rice for their north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur after the England international was sent off for two bookable offences in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

However, Deadline Day arrival Raheem Sterling could make his Arsenal debut against Spurs, following his loan move from Chelsea.

Riccardo Calafiori vs France

Despite his concerning injury, Calafiori was excellent during his time on the pitch.

The Arsenal man was composed in possession, and regularly carried the ball into midfield areas, while he was dominant when defending.

He completed 63 accurate passes with a 94% accuracy, made four clearances and all three of his long ball attempts were successful.

Although they conceded to Bradley Barcola within the first minute of the game, Italy beat France 3-1 at the Parc des Princes to earn their first win of the new Nations League campaign.