Arsenal fear another ‘major blow’ as key player forced off injured during Shakhtar Donetsk win

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Arsenal were deeply uninspiring but still managed to grind out a 1-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening. 

Mikel Arteta will not be impressed with the performance that this Arsenal side produced against the Ukrainian outfit, but his players were able to get the job done at least.

However, of even greater concern than the Gunners’ performance is the fact that Riccardo Calafiori had to come off with an injury in the second half.

The Italian left-back was replaced by Hale End academy ace Myles Lewis-Skelly, who deputised well, but Arteta will be desperately hoping that Calafiori hasn’t sustained a serious injury.

Since his arrival from Bologna in the recent summer transfer window, the 22-year-old has already had to deal with fitness issues, and could now be set for another spell on the sidelines. 

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What happened to Riccardo Calafiori vs Shakhtar Donetsk?

Calafiori went down hurt after being dispossessed outside of the Arsenal penalty area.

The Italy international appeared to hurt his knee in the challenge, and tried to soldier on, but went to ground again moments later and was subsequently substituted off.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live (22/10/2024, 21:30), gave his appraisal of Calafiori’s injury.

He said: “This is a real concern for Arsenal. All the talk of the big game at the weekend. The way Riccardo Calafiori goes down, it looks like he opened his right knee. This is a major blow.”

How will Arsenal cope without Riccardo Calafiori?

Arteta will likely have had Calafiori in his plans for this Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

However, the defender’s ability to feature in that match has now been cast into doubt. Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott wanted Calafiori to replace William Saliba at centre-back against Liverpool, as the Frenchman will be suspended for this clash against the Reds following his sending off against Bournemouth last time out. 

If Arteta now has to cope without both Saliba and Calafiori against the Merseyside outfit then he will have to find a way to construct an unfamiliar defence that can withstand such a dangerous opponent.