The international break can cause chaos for scheduling and player fitness, with Premier League clubs sweating on the condition of their star players this week. Unfortunately for Arsenal, one of their latest signings may now be ruled out of the upcoming North London derby due to injury.
Arsenal splashed the cash this summer to snap up Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in a reported £42m deal (Sky Sports).
The 24-year-old has featured in the last two games for the Gunners, albeit as a second-half substitute, and has largely filled in at left-back rather than in his preferred centre-back role.
Calafiori continued his blossoming international career with Italy on Friday night, starting the 3-1 win over France. But, he only made it through 70 minutes of the game before being replaced after picking up a rather bizarre injury.
France’s Ousmane Dembele was running through the Italy defence, took a tumble, and caught Calafiori on the calf, leaving him in some discomfort.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has commented on the situation, and revealed Calafiori will not take part in any further international action for Italy this week.
He tweeted: “Riccardo Calafiori leaves Italy camp as the staff will take no risk after his injury against France. Calafiori will return to London and he will be assessed by Arsenal medical staff.”
However, he later added a more positive update, stating: “Sources insist Riccardo Calafiori injury is not serious and it’s just a knock, nothing worrying. Arsenal also didn’t want Calafiori to take any risk and he will be assessed next week.”
Calafiori took to social media after the game to celebrate his country’s win, and made no reference to his condition, suggesting it might not be that serious after all.
Italy manager Luciano Spaletti had previously told the press (via Football.London) that he hoped Calafiori might be fit for the next game against Isreal on Monday night.
It now remains to be seen whether he will be passed fit to face Tottenham on Sunday in the first North London derby of the new Premier League campaign.
Spurs Web Opinion
I think Calafiori will be cutting it fine to make it for the North London derby at this rate. He’s got a week to recover, of course, but that includes testing, getting back into training, and being match-ready. He will probably be on the bench again.
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