Premier League
Arsenal Suffers Injury Scare As Defender Withdraws From Italy Squad
Arsenal has suffered an injury scare, with Riccardo Calafiori forced to withdraw from Italy’s squad on Sunday.
The Gunners’ £42 million summer signing from Serie A club Bologna was in the starting lineup for the Azzurri in Paris on Friday night. Italy made a comeback after trailing early on, ultimately defeating France 3-1 in their highly anticipated Nations League opener.
However, the player later suffered a painful calf injury after an accidental collision with Ousmane Dembele.
Calafiori received treatment on the field and initially attempted to continue despite the injury.
However, with just under 20 minutes remaining in the intense match at Parc des Princes, he was substituted for Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti provided an encouraging update on the versatile defender following the match. He stated that while the player was further assessed, there was a good likelihood he would be fit to participate in Monday night’s upcoming Group A2 clash against Israel in Budapest.
“We need to assess Riccardo, but with our staff, we have a good chance to have him back with us for the next game,” he said.
Sky Sport Italia later reported that Calafiori did not train with his Italy team-mates on Saturday ahead of the game against Israel, with Fabrizio Romano then confirming on Sunday that he had withdrawn from the squad and would return to Arsenal for further assessment from the club’s medical staff.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping the injury is nothing serious, as his team faces a crucial week after the international break.
Arsenal injuries and suspension ahead of Spurs clash
They have the first north London derby of the season against Tottenham next Sunday, followed by their League opener against Europa League winners Atalanta in Italy, and another significant match against title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
Declan Rice is suspended for a match against Spurs due to his contentious red card during the 1-1 draw against Brighton last weekend.
Calafiori’s fellow new signing, Mikel Merino, is set to spend nearly two months on the sidelines after sustaining a shoulder during his first training session at Colney, following a £31.6 transfer from Real Sociedad.
Arteta’s defensive options are already depleted by the absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Gabriel Jesus has also yet to play this season due to a groin issue, though reports suggest he could be back to play some role against Tottenham.
Kieran Tierney is also out with the hamstring injury he sustained playing for Scotland at Euro 2024 this summer.
Captain Martin Ødegaard sustained a knock during the match against Brighton raising concerns about Arsenal’s midfield ahead of their upcoming clash with Spurs.
However, he eased any injury worries by playing the full 90 minutes for Norway in their Nations League match against Kazakhstan on Friday. Ødegaard is also expected to play against Austria in Oslo on Monday night.
