Riccardo Calafiori has been sent back to Arsenal after suffering a leg injury during Italy’s 3-1 victory over France.
The young defender, who started the match, had to be substituted in the second half following an unfortunate incident involving Ousmane Dembele.
During a challenge with Alessandro Bastoni, Dembele fell and his studs caught the back of Calafiori’s leg, resulting in the injury.
Despite receiving immediate treatment on the pitch, Calafiori continued to play for a brief period before it was decided that he could no longer continue
Initially, Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti expressed confidence that the injury was not serious and even hoped that Calafiori would be available for Italy’s upcoming match against Israel.
However, as a precaution, Calafiori has now been sent home from the Italian national team’s camp and will return to Arsenal for further assessment.
He was deemed unfit to train over the weekend with his Italy teammates, prompting the decision to release him back to his club.
Arsenal, facing a packed schedule, are anxiously awaiting updates on Calafiori’s condition.
With crucial matches on the horizon, including a high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday, followed by a UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta and a Premier League showdown with title rivals Manchester City, the Gunners are hoping Calafiori’s injury does not keep him sidelined for long.
Since his transfer from Bologna during the summer window, Calafiori has made two substitute appearances for Arsenal.
He was brought on in the final moments of their 2-0 win over Aston Villa and played the last 30 minutes of their 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, which was surrounded by controversy.
Despite his limited time on the pitch, the 21-year-old has already started to carve out a role within Mikel Arteta’s squad, and Arsenal will be hoping his setback is a temporary one.
