Arsenal’s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, has been forced to leave the Italy national team camp after suffering an injury during their UEFA Nations League match against France on Friday night. The young defender will return to Arsenal for further assessment and treatment.
Calafiori joined Arsenal from Roma in the summer transfer window, becoming the latest addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. He had been called up to the Italy national team for the first time and was expected to make his debut against France.
Injury Details
The exact nature of Calafiori’s injury has not been disclosed, but it is believed to be a muscle problem. The defender was forced to leave the pitch during the match against France and was replaced by Emerson Palmieri.
Calafiori’s early departure from the Italy camp is a setback for both the player and Arsenal. The defender was hoping to make a strong impression for his national team and establish himself as a regular starter for the Gunners.
Impact on Arsenal’s Plans
Calafiori’s injury could have implications for Arsenal’s plans for the upcoming season. The Gunners are expected to compete for a place in the top four of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
With Calafiori out of action, Arsenal may need to dip into the transfer market to strengthen their defensive options. The club has been linked with a number of defenders, including Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney.
Calafiori’s Arsenal Career
Calafiori joined Arsenal from Roma in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £15 million. He has made a handful of appearances for the Gunners, but has struggled to establish himself in the first team.
The defender has shown glimpses of his potential, but he has faced competition from Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares for a starting place. Calafiori’s injury will give other defenders in the squad an opportunity to impress.
Italy’s Nations League Campaign
Italy’s Nations League campaign has been mixed so far. The Azzurri have won one match, drawn one, and lost one. They are currently second in their group behind France.
The loss of Calafiori is a blow for Italy, as he was expected to play a role in their Nations League campaign. However, the Italian team has a strong squad and will be looking to bounce back from the defeat against France.
Conclusion
Riccardo Calafiori’s injury is a setback for both Arsenal and the Italy national team. The defender will be hoping for a speedy recovery and a chance to make his debut for the Gunners in the coming weeks.
Arsenal will need to assess their options in the transfer market to replace Calafiori if his injury is serious. The Gunners are expected to be active in the transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Italy, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat against France and secure a place in the Nations League finals. The loss of Calafiori is a blow, but the Azzurri have a talented squad and will be confident of their chances.
