Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has returned to London after being released from international duty with Italy following a minor injury scare.
The 22-year-old picked up the injury during Italy’s 3-1 victory over France in their UEFA Nations League clash last Friday, but Arsenal remain hopeful he will be fit to face Tottenham in this weekend’s North London derby.
Calafiori, who has been a standout performer for Arsenal since joining from Bologna this summer, was substituted in the 71st minute of the game after a freak incident involving Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé.
As Dembélé was tackled, he fell awkwardly on Calafiori’s leg, causing the Arsenal defender to feel discomfort in his right calf.
Despite the injury scare, Italy’s medical team assessed the situation as not immediately serious, but agreed to send Calafiori back to Arsenal for further treatment.
Although the Italian Football Association allowed him to return to London as a precautionary measure, Arsenal’s medical team is optimistic that the injury is not severe.
It is understood that Italy conducted an MRI scan on Calafiori following the match, which revealed no major damage, though the player was reportedly seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti commented on the situation after the game, saying, “Calafiori needs to be evaluated, but with our good doctors, there is a chance he can recover.”
Despite Spalletti’s positive outlook, the Italian national team decided to err on the side of caution by allowing the defender to leave before Italy’s next Nations League fixture against Israel.
Arsenal will be keen for Calafiori to recover quickly. Calafiori’s versatility and ability to operate in both defensive and attacking roles have been key assets, with Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport praising his performance against France, describing him as “among the best in Paris.”
His return to London comes at a critical time for Arsenal, who are already facing a depleted squad ahead of the high-stakes derby against Tottenham. Midfield talisman Declan Rice is unavailable due to suspension, while summer signing Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a fractured shoulder, leaving Arteta short of options.
Calafiori’s ability to seamlessly integrate into Arsenal’s system since his arrival has drawn plaudits, and the club will be desperate for him to regain fitness in time for Sunday’s showdown.
The Italian defender’s composure on the ball and tactical awareness adds much-needed balance to Arteta‘s defence.
The hope within the Arsenal camp is that Calafiori’s injury is only a minor setback, and that he will be fit to play in the derby.
Should he recover in time, his presence will be vital for an Arsenal side looking to maintain their strong start to the season and secure bragging rights over their North London rivals.