Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has made an impressive start to his time with the club, may face a serious setback after suffering a potential injury.
Reports suggest that Calafiori was in “tears” after sustaining an injury late in Arsenal’s 4-2 win against Leicester City.
The victory, which saw Arsenal take an early 2-0 lead before Leicester staged a comeback, was eventually secured by late goals from Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.
However, the attention soon shifted to Calafiori’s injury, raising concerns about its severity.
This injury is particularly troubling for Arsenal, as it comes at a time when the team had just climbed to the top of the Premier League standings, before Liverpool’s later victory over
Wolverhampton knocked them off the top spot. Calafiori’s potential absence could prove to be a significant blow as the Gunners look to maintain their strong form going forward.
Calafiori’s Injury and His Emotional Reaction
According to a report from @teamnewsandtix on X (formerly Twitter), there is increasing concern that Calafiori may have injured his knee during stoppage time, just as Trossard netted the decisive goal against Leicester.
The post noted, “There’s some concern that Riccardo Calafiori injured his knee in stoppage time yesterday. There are reports he was in tears after the game.”
This incident is particularly worrying given that Calafiori has had previous issues with his knee, though he passed Arsenal’s medical before signing for the club.
Since joining Arsenal, Calafiori has quickly become a standout player, delivering consistent performances and even scoring a remarkable goal against Manchester City.
His form has been described as “sensational,” with many praising his contributions to the team.
However, the possible knee injury he sustained during the Leicester match could disrupt his promising progress.
The fact that Calafiori was visibly emotional after the game suggests that the injury might be more serious than initially thought, raising doubts about how long he could be sidelined.
If the injury is severe, it will be a major setback for both the player and Arsenal’s defensive setup.
The Potential Impact of Calafiori’s Injury on Arsenal
Calafiori had been playing at left-back in the match against Leicester, with Jurrien Timber filling in on the right side due to Ben White’s own knee injury.
Now, with Calafiori’s availability in doubt, Arsenal could be facing another defensive crisis.
This situation comes at a time when the club has already been grappling with several injuries, particularly in the midfield.
Despite not being Arsenal’s first-choice center-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães currently in top form, Calafiori has been an invaluable backup, especially during challenging periods of the season.
His versatility, especially on the left side of defense, has made him a key squad player for Mikel Arteta.
Calafiori initially caught Arsenal’s eye after an impressive showing for Italy during EURO 2024, where his standout performance was an assist in Italy’s final group stage match against Croatia.
His strong displays during the tournament led to Arsenal signing him from Bologna over the summer.
If Calafiori is sidelined for an extended period, Arsenal will be left with limited options in defense.
Timber may have to move back to the right side, potentially forcing the club to rely on youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.
While Lewis-Skelly is a promising talent, he could face a steep learning curve, especially with high-pressure matches ahead, including a Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.
The teenager’s performance in such a crucial game could have a significant impact on Arsenal’s defensive stability moving forward.
In conclusion, while Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Leicester was an important result, the possible injury to Riccardo Calafiori is a serious concern.
If he is ruled out for an extended period, it would create a gap in Arsenal’s defense that could have long-lasting effects on the team’s domestic and European campaigns.
