Arsenal have suffered another injury setback, with Riccardo Calafioli leaving Italy early and returning to north London from international duty. According to Fabrizio Romano, the defender withdrew from the Italian camp on Saturday and missed the World Cup qualifier against Norway, which was scheduled for Sunday night.
“Riccardo Calafioli left the Italian camp today and returned to London to be evaluated by Arsenal staff,” Romano said. Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso acknowledged Calafioli’s situation: “He has tried to be fit to play, but we can’t push him too hard now.”
Arsenal’s medical team have been informed of Calafiori’s return to the capital and are told no serious complications are expected. The development follows reports in Italian media suggesting the 23-year-old had “ignored” Arsenal’s request to remain in London for the duration of his international spell.
The defender has proven to be an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s top-flight side this season, starting all 11 of the Gunners’ Premier League games so far.
Arsenal maintain a four-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City while already overcoming multiple injury concerns, so it’s understandable that the club will be keen to prevent further problems ahead of a tough fixture schedule.
Italian reports on Wednesday said Calafioli had been training individually before missing the match against Moldova the following night.
It is understood that he has a hip injury, but it is not believed to be serious.
La Repubblica claimed that Arsenal wanted Calafioli to recover from a hip injury and avoid international duty to avoid exacerbating the problem. However, Gattuso and national team chief Gianluigi Buffon have reportedly encouraged players to prioritize the national team, aiming to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in North America.
It comes as Arsenal hope to have several first-team players back when they resume play against bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday, November 23.
Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz have each made significant progress in their recovery from knee injuries. Both players could have featured in Tuesday night’s match between Arsenal Under-21s and Cardiff City, but neither featured in the 3-1 defeat in the Football League Trophy.
Meanwhile, Norway manager Starre Solbakken believes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is still “a long way off” from making his return. Gabriel Jesus is also expected to return before the new year after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery at the end of January.
Victor Gokeres and Gabriel Martinelli are also recovering from hamstring and groin injuries respectively sustained just before the international break.
