Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori’s bright start to life at the Emirates may be interrupted by a potentially serious injury, with reports indicating that the player was “in tears” after suffering a knock late in the club’s 4-2 victory over Leicester City.
The Gunners had been cruising with a 2-0 lead, but Leicester clawed their way back into the contest before late goals from Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz secured the win.
However, the post-match celebrations were dampened by concerns over Calafiori’s knee injury, which occurred in the dying moments of the game.
While the victory briefly sent Arsenal to the top of the table before Liverpool’s later triumph over Wolves, Calafiori’s injury is a troubling development for Mikel Arteta.
Calafiori “In Tears” After Arsenal Win
A report from @teamnewsandtix on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that the Italian defender may have seriously hurt his knee during stoppage time.
The post stated, “There’s some concern that Riccardo Calafiori injured his knee in stoppage time yesterday. There’s reports he was in tears after the game.”
This incident has raised alarms, especially given the 21-year-old’s history of knee problems earlier in his career. Despite these past issues, Calafiori passed his Arsenal medical with no red flags and has been an integral part of the squad this season.
His performances, including a stunning goal against Manchester City last week, have drawn praise, with some hailing him as “sensational.”
But this new injury could derail his progress, and the emotional reaction from Calafiori following the Leicester match has sparked concerns that the damage might be significant.
A Blow to Arsenal’s Defensive Setup
Calafiori had been operating at left-back, with Jurrien Timber covering the right flank due to Ben White’s ongoing knee injury. However, if Calafiori is sidelined, Arteta could face another defensive crisis.
With the team already battling injuries in midfield, losing Calafiori would leave the Gunners vulnerable on the left side, especially as Timber may need to switch back to the right.
This scenario could see teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly drafted in at left-back, a daunting prospect given Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, including a tough clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
While Lewis-Skelly is highly regarded, it would be a huge ask for the academy graduate to step into such high-pressure situations.
Calafiori’s Rise at Arsenal
Despite the uncertainty now surrounding his fitness, Calafiori has already proven to be a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad since his summer move from Bologna.
After impressing during Italy’s EURO 2024 campaign, where he delivered a crucial assist in their final group stage match against Croatia, Arsenal swooped in to secure his services.
Though he isn’t expected to displace first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori’s versatility and ability to play on the left side of defence made him an ideal squad player for Arteta.
His presence has provided crucial depth during a period where Arsenal have been hit with various injury issues across the pitch.
However, if this knee injury proves to be serious, it will be a huge setback for the Gunners.
With Ben White already sidelined and Calafiori now potentially joining him, Arteta’s defensive options could be stretched thin. Timber, who had been covering for White, may be forced back to the right, leaving the left-back position worryingly exposed.
Future Concerns
The timing of this potential injury couldn’t be worse for Arsenal, with crucial Premier League and Champions League matches on the horizon. While the full extent of Calafiori’s injury is yet to be confirmed, the sight of the Italian in tears suggests it could be serious.
For now, Arsenal will have to hope that the damage is not as bad as initially feared. If Calafiori is ruled out for a significant period, it could have a ripple effect on the team’s defensive stability, particularly as they prepare for the rigours of competing on multiple fronts.
Arteta will need to find solutions quickly to avoid further disruption to the squad as the season heats up.