Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has provided an update on the Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, after being forced to retire during the victory against France in the League of Nations.
The 22-year-old played just over an hour of the clash at the Parc des Princes but was substituted shortly after picking up a knock to his ankle with the visitors leading 3-1.
Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna for £42million, suffered a freak knock to his ankle after Ousmane Dembele fell on him following a tackle by Bastoni.
The defender appeared in pain while on the pitch, with his worried teammates gathered around him.
The scenes will have startled Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of next weekend’s north London derby against Tottenham.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off during the 3-1 win over France
Arsenal’s new signing suffered a freak injury after Ousmane Dembele fell on him
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has eased concerns over the severity of the injury.
However, Italian coach Spalletti has eased concerns over the severity of the injury.
Spalletti said: “We need to evaluate Riccardo, but with our staff we have a good chance of having him back with us for the next game.”
Italy’s next game is on Monday, when they will face Israel at the Bozsik Arena in another Nations League match.
Although Spalletti is hopeful Calafiori will be fit to play for the Blues on Monday, many Arsenal fans are hoping he will miss the clash as a precaution.
Arsenal’s next game after the international break is the north London derby against arch-rivals Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta will no longer be able to count on his entire squad and this injury could be another of the problems that the Spanish coach will have to try to overcome.
The Gunners will be without midfield anchor Declan Rice, who will miss the game through suspension following his sending off against Brighton last weekend following a bizarre incident.
Mikel Merino is also out due to an injury suffered during his first training session.
Arsenal will be without star player Declan Rice for the north London derby due to suspension
Arsenal’s £42m summer signing is now also a doubt for the Tottenham game
The Italian defender has just made two appearances for Arsenal since joining in the summer, after being introduced as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa and Brighton.
His absence through injury will be sorely missed if he is sidelined for any length of time.
The Gunners will play five games before the end of September as they take part in Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup matches.
