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WHAT HAPPENED?
Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal’s versatile defender, has suffered another knee injury setback. The 22-year-old Italian initially sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Italy during their Nations League quarter-final match against Germany. He was seen limping after the game and subsequently left the Italy camp to return to Arsenal for assessment. Calafiori had been building up his fitness over the past couple of weeks, but recent reports suggest he will be sidelined for several weeks more.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Calafiori’s injury is a significant blow for Arsenal, as he has become an important player in Mikel Arteta’s squad since joining from Bologna last summer for a reported fee of £42 million. This is not Calafiori’s first injury setback this season, as he has already missed nine games due to various issues, including knee and groin problems. His absence adds to Arsenal’s defensive concerns, with the team already short on options in the full-back positions. The blow is especially hard given that Arsenal is entering the last stage of the season, and will play the Champions League Quarter-finals against Real Madrid on April 8th.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Calafiori’s injury in a recent press conference, stating that the defender will be out for several weeks. Arteta expressed disappointment at losing Calafiori at a crucial time when the team is dealing with multiple injuries and a busy schedule. The manager did not provide specific details about a potential return date for Calafiori.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal face a challenging period ahead without the Italian defender. The Gunners have upcoming Premier League matches, including a clash with Fulham on April 1. They are also set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, a tie for which Calafiori is now a major doubt. With the team already dealing with injuries to other key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad. The injury situation may also influence Arsenal’s transfer strategy in the upcoming summer window, potentially prompting them to seek defensive reinforcements.
