An analysis of Riccardo Calafiori’s peculiar knee injury has been provided by a physician. In the last moments of Italy’s 2-1 defeat to Germany on Thursday, the Arsenal defender appeared to trip and buckle his leg. Calafiori was able to recover after receiving treatment on the pitch, but he informed the medical staff that he was unable to play any more.
The Standard reports that Luciano Spalletti, the head coach of Azzurri, stated of Calafiori following the match: “He said that his knee feels strange, but cannot answer more precisely than that, so we’ll have to see.” Given that the Gunners are already dealing with an injury crisis at the end of their season, this will undoubtedly worry everyone connected to his team back in London. View the incident below:
— 14 (@iokmm) March 20, 2025
Calafiori has now missed 16 games for both club and country since last summer due to four separate ailments that have hindered his debut season at Arsenal. At a time when Mikel Arteta will need a new team more than ever, he will be in the same treatment room as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka if he has to miss another stint.
Doctor Gives Hopeful Analysis of Calafiori Injury
The Italian’s slip looks worse than it might actually be
Sports physician Rajpal Brar says the 22-year-old’s injuries can appear far worse than it is. He clarified on X that his left foot wasn’t planted, which could be a saving factor. According to the post below, he stated:
It’s awkward for Calafiori to slip and fall here. The fact that his left foot was not planted and that it might have only been a contact injury could have saved him. Tomorrow will see more testing, per NT.
Awkward slip and fall for Calafiori here. What possibly may have saved him is the left foot not being planted so might just be a contact injury. More testing tomorrow per NT. #arsenal https://t.co/AaP3SPF875
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) March 20, 2025
When questioned about the condition of his knee, Calafiori said, “I still don’t know,” after being spotted hobbling as he left the San Siro. Late fitness tests are anticipated to ascertain the extent of his setback, so it is unclear if he will play in Sunday’s return leg against Germany. Below, observe him departing the mixed zone:
🎥 After being forced off due to an injury in Italy’s 1-2 defeat to Germany, Riccardo Calafiori was seen limping as he left the stadium… 😬🇮🇹
pic.twitter.com/Pq201OYcUv— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) March 21, 2025
Arsenal’s next games are against Fulham on April 1 and Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals on April 8 and 16. Their season has been impacted by off-field issues, and they may have to do so without one of their big-name acquisitions in order to salvage some hardware from an increasingly difficult campaign.
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