Arteta Faces Doubt Over Riccardo Calafiori for North London Derby After Injury in Nations League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may be without Riccardo Calafiori for next weekend’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur due to an injury sustained during international duty. Calafiori, the 22-year-old defender, was forced to withdraw from Italy’s squad on Sunday after suffering a calf problem.
The injury occurred in the second half of Italy’s 3-1 Nations League victory over France on Friday evening. Calafiori was substituted in the 71st minute of the match, and the Italian Football Association has since announced that he will return to the UK for further medical assessments.
Italy is scheduled to face Israel in their second Nations League fixture on Monday evening, but Calafiori’s participation has been ruled out.
In addition to Calafiori’s potential absence, Arteta is already dealing with the suspension of Declan Rice, who received a controversial red card during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend. This injury setback further complicates Arteta’s preparations for the crucial North London Derby.
Arsenal will need to adjust their lineup and tactics as they aim to secure a vital result against their local rivals.