Arsenal are set for a tough trip to face Atalanta in their opening Champions League game of the new campaign, but they have now been handed a major boost.
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to victory in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in difficult circumstances as several key players were missing.
Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino were both injured, and Declan Rice’s suspension meant that Arteta was without his entire first-choice midfield three.
Defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was also absent, as were Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, leaving Arsenal light on the bench, but Jurrien Timber was able to complete 90 minutes at left-back.
Bukayo Saka also limped off with a suspected injury during the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but any fears over his fitness may now be alleviated.
New signing Calafiori is yet to start for Arsenal, but picked up an injury when playing for Italy in the International break, and was absent from the squad against Spurs. However, he could feature in the Champions League.
Riccardo Calafiori returns to Arsenal training ahead of Atalanta trip
Arsenal are partaking in their final training session in North London before flying to Bergamo, where they will face Europa League winners Atalanta.
With a trip to Manchester City coming straight after, Arsenal may need to rotate where they can, and Arteta has been handed a major boost as Calafiori has now returned to training.
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Journalist Charles Watts is in attendance at Arsenal’s open training session, and he revealed on X that Calafiori has joined his teammates on the pitch at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
“Players are now starting to come out. Calafiori is back,” he posted.
Calafiori could therefore be in line to make his first Arsenal start in his native Italy, and he may be a necessary inclusion.
Bukayo Saka returns to Arsenal training after suspected injury
Saka limped off against Spurs and was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri, but it later emerged that he had suffered from cramp rather than anything serious.
The England star is back in training with the rest of the squad, and is expected to be available for the Atalanta trip. However, there may be merit in resting Saka alongside some other key stars, with new signing Raheem Sterling available to come in from the start.
Riccardo Calafiori could replace Jurrien Timber against Atalanta
Timber was impressive against Tottenham, but given that he is still on his way to full fitness, a rest could be of huge benefit to him.
The Dutchman has regularly started this season, and even played for The Netherlands in the International break.
Timber missed almost the entirety of last season after picking up a cruciate ligament injury on his debut, and his minutes need to be managed carefully.
If Calafiori is deemed fit, the Atalanta game could be the perfect opportunity for him to make his full debut, and replace Timber, who could come back in at Man City.