Arsenal’s Injury Nightmare Deepens as Riccardo Calafiori Faces New Knee Worry After Italy Setback

Arsenal’s injury woes have taken another hit as Riccardo Calafiori faces a potential setback with a knee issue following Italy's 2-1 defeat to Germany. The left-back, who has already battled a series of injuries since his £42million move to North London last summer, now finds himself in a fresh fitness battle. Calafiori suffered the injury while tracking back during the Nations League quarter-final first leg, slipping awkwardly and landing with his left knee after his right leg gave way.

The 22-year-old was visibly in discomfort, staying on the ground for several moments, though he managed to finish the match. The game saw Newcastle's Sandro Tonali give Italy the lead before Germany struck back with goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka. Despite completing the match, Calafiori’s injury raised concerns, with Italy manager Luciano Spalletti confirming that the defender "felt something strange" and would undergo tests to determine the extent of the damage.

"We still don’t know if he’s injured," Spalletti said post-match, adding uncertainty to the situation. Calafiori himself remained tight-lipped, stating, "I still don’t know" when asked about his condition.

The young full-back’s injury record this season has been far from ideal, with multiple knee problems already sidelining him on several occasions. He missed time earlier in the season with calf and knee issues, and after a December setback, a muscle injury in January kept him off the pitch for another ten days. With frequent fitness struggles, manager Mikel Arteta will no doubt be concerned about the defender's ongoing injury troubles, especially considering Calafiori's importance in the squad.

Though the Italian has impressed when available, contributing three goals and two assists in 26 appearances, his starting appearances have been limited to just 11 due to these recurring issues. With Calafiori potentially sidelined again, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the promising teenage talent, could step into the starting role at left-back in the coming weeks.

Arsenal fans will be hoping for positive news on Calafiori’s injury, but with his history of niggling problems, Arteta’s options at the back may soon become even more stretched.