Arsenal have been handed a significant fitness boost concerning defender Riccardo Calafiori, offering manager Mikel Arteta some relief after a worrying international break. The news comes as the club anxiously awaits further news on fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhães.
Defensive Double Blow for the Gunners
The international break proved troublesome for Arsenal's defensive line. First, Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from the Italy squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Norway. The defender, who had been managing a reported hip issue, did not feature in the victory over Moldova and was training separately before being deemed unfit and returning to London Colney.
The situation worsened when Gabriel Magalhães suffered a muscle injury while playing for Brazil in their 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian was forced off in the second half after pulling up during a defensive transition. A subsequent statement from the Brazilian football confederation confirmed a muscle injury to his right thigh, ruling him out of their next match.
A Crucial Fitness Update Provides Relief
Amid the anxiety over facing a crucial run of fixtures without two key defenders, a positive update has emerged. According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal expect Calafiori to be fit from next week. This suggests his early departure from international duty was a precautionary measure and that the issue is minor.
This is a major relief for Arteta, as Calafiori has been a mainstay in the starting eleven this season, featuring in all of Arsenal's Premier League matches. His availability is seen as critical for the team's defensive solidity.
High-Stakes Fixtures Loom for League Leaders
The timing of these injury concerns is far from ideal. Arsenal currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League after 11 games, holding an eight-point advantage over reigning champions Liverpool.
However, the team now faces a daunting sequence of matches that will test their title credentials. The schedule includes:
- The North London derby against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
- A Champions League clash with German giants Bayern Munich.
- A Premier League encounter with Chelsea.
Navigating this period with a depleted squad would have been a monumental challenge. The potential availability of Calafiori, therefore, represents a significant boost. The club and its fans now await further news on Gabriel's recovery timeline, hoping the Brazilian's issue is not a long-term one.
