Arsenal is facing a potential defensive crisis after their summer signing, Riccardo Calafiori, sustained a serious injury during Italy’s 3-1 victory over France in the UEFA Nations League.
The match, held at the Parc des Princes on September 6, 2024, saw the Italian left-back leave the field in the second half following a heavy challenge from France’s Ousmane Dembele.
Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna this summer, now faces an uncertain period, with concerns that the injury may be severe.
The injury overshadowed what was otherwise a stellar performance by the Italian team.
France took an early lead through Bradley Barcola, who scored just 12 seconds into the match.
However, Italy quickly regained control, with Federico Dimarco leveling the score at the 30-minute mark.
Italy’s momentum carried into the second half, with goals from Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori securing a historic victory for Italy, their first in Paris in over 70 years.
For Arsenal, Calafiori’s injury adds to an already complicated situation.
Another key summer signing, Mikel Merino, is also sidelined with a shoulder injury, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with limited defensive options.
This comes at a particularly difficult time for the Gunners, with key fixtures looming, including the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Calafiori had been quick to adapt to Arteta’s tactical system, contributing both defensively and offensively from the left-back position. His potential absence represents a major blow for Arsenal, as they have come to rely on his versatility and ability to impact games on both ends of the pitch. The nature of his injury is still unclear, though early reports suggest it could involve a calf or ankle problem. Arsenal’s medical team is working to assess the severity, and both club and country are awaiting further tests to determine how long the player may be out of action.
