Arsenal came through their 2-0 win over Everton with a late scare, as Mikel Arteta admitted he does not yet know what is wrong with Riccardo Calafiori after the Italian headed straight down the tunnel at full-time.
Goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel at the Emirates Stadium took the Gunners level on points at the top of the table, but the focus afterwards was on the left side of the defence.
Calafiori came off the bench at the hour mark and, in a late tactical switch, finished the game at left wing, with Noni Madueke dropping back to left-back. He appeared to be in discomfort in the closing stages, and The Sun’s Simon Collings noted that he went straight down the tunnel after the final whistle.
What did Arteta say about the Riccardo Calafiori injury?
Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “He had a slight issue. We don’t know what it is. It seems very small.”
It is unclear exactly what caused the problem, although Calafiori did take a hefty hit to the ribs during one challenge. Arsenal have not announced a diagnosis or a scan.
The timing is awkward. Calafiori had looked set to start a third game in one week after Arteta’s Friday press conference, where he was asked whether the Italian could go again from the start. “Yeah, he’s ready. I think Ricci is in a different place because he had a full pre-season as well. And he’s been available for every match,” Arteta said.
Who covers at left-back if Calafiori is out?
Arsenal have options. Piero Hincapie was back in the squad after training with the group, but it was Myles Lewis-Skelly who started in the back four against Everton, before Calafiori replaced him midway through the second half.
Madueke has now shown he can drop into the left-back role late on too. With Bukayo Saka still facing a spell on the sidelines and William Saliba also out, Arteta can ill afford another knock.
Is Gabriel Magalhaes fit after his scare against Everton?
Calafiori was not the only defender to cause a flutter. Gabriel needed lengthy treatment around the 56th minute after lunging to clear a cross and landing awkwardly on his right knee. He grabbed at his upper leg and did stretches on the touchline before returning.
Twelve minutes later he headed the second goal from Ben White’s cross, his first Premier League strike not to come from a set piece. Arteta said: “By the reaction of his teammates it was a worrying action. We all know Gabi, how tough and strong he is, and he seems to be okay.”
That is encouraging, but it is not a medical update. Konsa and Gabriel have formed one of the more reliable partnerships in the side, and Arteta will want it intact for the trip to Anfield.
When is Arsenal’s next game?
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Sunday 1 November, 16:30 UK time, at Anfield. There is a short window to find out how Arsenal and their medical staff assess both defenders, and the club has not yet issued an official update on Calafiori.
Author Opinion
Arteta calling it “very small” is the right tone, and a rib knock rarely keeps a player out for long. Still, a manager who does not know what the issue is cannot promise anything. Gooners should expect the full picture on Calafiori once the scans and checks are done in the next few days, and Anfield without a fit Italian on the left would be a headache nobody at the club wants.
