Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has departed from the Italy squad due to a freak injury sustained in their match against France on Friday night.
The 22-year-old was substituted in the second half after injuring his ankle while Italy was leading 3-1. The injury occurred when Ousmane Dembele, who was falling after a challenge from Bastoni, accidentally made contact with Calafiori’s leg with his studs.
Calafiori was visibly in pain following the incident and was promptly taken out of the game. Initially, it seemed like a simple impact injury, but Arsenal fans are now worried as Calafiori has been sent back to London for recovery. Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, tried to alleviate concerns after the match.
Spalletti remarked, “We need to evaluate Riccardo, but with our medical team, we have a good chance of having him back for the next game.” Italy’s next fixture is on Monday against Israel at the Bozsik Arena, where Calafiori will not participate.
Arsenal’s next match after the international break is the North London derby against Tottenham. Mikel Arteta will already be missing key players, and Calafiori’s injury adds another challenge for the Spanish coach. Additionally, Arsenal will be without midfielder Declan Rice, who is suspended due to his red card in the previous game against Brighton, and Mikel Merino is also sidelined with an injury sustained during his first training session.
