Arsenal Assess Calafiori After Minor Issue in Everton Win

Arsenal are assessing defender Riccardo Calafiori after he picked up a minor problem in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, October 24. The club has not announced a diagnosis, and his availability for the next matches is not yet confirmed.

Calafiori started the game on the bench. It was his first league benching of the season, as Mikel Arteta rotated his side. He came on in the 68th minute at left-back. By the end of the game he was playing at left wing, with Noni Madueke filling in at left-back for the final minutes. Calafiori then went straight down the tunnel at the final whistle.

Arteta spoke about it after the match. He said Calafiori had a slight issue. The manager said Arsenal did not know exactly what it was, but it seemed to be something very small. He added that the player had been cautious about it.

The timing is a little awkward for Arsenal. On Friday, Arteta had said Calafiori was ready to start three matches a week. He also said the Italian was in a better place than last season because he had a full pre-season. Arsenal then chose to rest him from the start against Everton, yet he still picked up the knock.

Arsenal can least afford more injuries in the final third and in defence. Bukayo Saka is already out with a thigh injury. Arteta said it would be weeks before he returns, and that the scans will be repeated in a week to 10 days. Madueke played well further up the pitch against Everton, and Arteta praised the options he gives the team.

The win itself was a good one. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel scored the goals. The result moved Arsenal level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with both teams on 21 points.

Arsenal play Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, October 27. Their next league game is a big one, away at Liverpool on Sunday, November 1, with kick-off at 4:30 pm UK time. Calafiori's fitness will be one to watch before the trip to Anfield.