Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern over Riccardo Calafiori’s injury during their 1-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, noting that the situation is “a bit of a worry.” The Italian left-back, who was signed for up to £42 million from Bologna in the summer, was forced off after seemingly twisting his right knee. This injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of sidelined players, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber.
Calafiori, making only his seventh start for Arsenal, was heavily involved in the match, often tucking in from his left-back position to contribute with 42 passes. His potential absence could be significant, particularly with Arsenal set to face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, emphasized how crucial Calafiori has been to Arsenal since joining and called his potential absence a “massive loss” ahead of such an important game. Sutton highlighted the defender’s versatility and praised his performances since arriving in North London. Arsenal now face the challenge of compensating for multiple injuries during an intense fixture period.
Despite the current concerns, Arteta remains optimistic about his squad’s ability to bounce back and perform against Liverpool, saying, “On Sunday, we will be flying.” However, former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson echoed fans’ concerns, pointing out that while Arsenal’s defense, particularly goalkeeper David Raya, has been solid, the overall team performance needs to improve to stay competitive with Liverpool and Manchester City.
As Arsenal prepare for a critical Premier League clash, the pressure will be on to maintain their form amid mounting injuries and ensure they remain in contention at the top of the table.
