Breaking: After yesterday’s international break match, it was verified this morning that Arsenal’s most valued defender could be in a predicament that could end his career.
Riccardo Calafiori, who recently signed with Arsenal, is going through a difficult time following an injury he suffered during Italy’s thrilling 3-1 victory against France in the Nations League. The summer transfer from Bologna to the Gunners forced the Italian left-back to exit the pitch in the second half after a strong collision with Ousmane Dembele.
On September 6, 2024, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France and Italy played in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League. Calafiori, wearing jersey number 5, was left laying on the pitch following the incident.
The injury overshadowed the Italian team’s otherwise excellent performance. Bradley Barcola of France gave the home team an early lead with a goal within the first 12 seconds of play, but the Azzurri rallied to reverse the tide of the match.
At the half, Federico Dimarco of Italy scored an equaliser, demonstrating their great response. With goals from Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori in the second half, the Italians maintained their lead and won their first game in Paris in more than 70 years.
William Saliba, another Arsenal player, had a difficult evening in the meanwhile. Throughout the game, the French defender had trouble, especially with Italy’s second and third goals, which exposed holes in France’s defence. After Barcola’s goal, France appeared powerful at first, but they lost steam and found it difficult to handle Italy’s relentless pressing strategies.
Calafiori’s injury comes at a tough moment for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, further compounding the team’s depth dilemma. Another summer addition, Mikel Merino, is now out with a shoulder injury, so Arteta is already grappling with his absence.
A North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur is among the important games that Arsenal’s medical experts will be frantically assessing to determine the extent of Calafiori’s injury.
Calafiori has pleased with his performances since joining Arsenal, especially his ability to play both offensively and defensively from the left-back position. He has swiftly adjusted to Arteta’s tactical style.
Given how much the Gunners have come to rely on his versatility and attacking prowess, his probable absence would be a major blow.
Both supporters of Arsenal and the Italian national team are concerned about the injury because preliminary examinations point to a potential calf or ankle issue. To ascertain the precise type and severity of the injury, both the club and the nation are awaiting additional medical testing.
Calafiori’s presence on what was supposed to be a straightforward international debut has caused concern for Arsenal, who may now have to go without a crucial defender for a while.
Arsenal’s priority will be to ensure that their summer signing recovers quickly and is not sidelined for an extended amount of time, especially with the crucial North London derby quickly approaching, while Italy celebrates a historic victory in Paris.
