Arsenal’s request dismissed by Riccardo Calafiori amid injury concern

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Riccardo Calafiori is training away from the Italy squad after picking up a hip injury, and Arsenal’s preference on the matter has become clear. 

Just as it appeared that concerns over Calafiori’s injury record had shifted, the defender’s fitness has come under question.

Currently on international duty over the November break, the 23-year-old remains with the Italy squad and has one thing on his mind.

Calafiori wants to be fit for Italy’s match against Norway, but it’s been confirmed that he will miss Thursday night’s clash against Moldova.

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Arsenal wanted different Riccardo Calafiori recovery treatment

Back in North London, there will be increased anxiety about Calafiori’s fitness, given how ominous the Italian’s career record looks.

Upon the news of the left-back’s hip problem, Arsenal’s preference became clear, as Italian outlet La Repubblica have reported. 

It’s understood that the Gunners’ preference was for Calafiori to ‘undergo treatment in England’ rather than staying in Florence with the national team.

Instead, the player has decided to remain with Gennaro Gattuso’s squad, which, from the outside, might be frustrating for Arsenal, but it’s clear how Calafiori came to make his decision.

La Repubblica relayed that Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon have issued a strong, but very clear, message to the Italy squad: ‘Prioritise the World Cup’.

Given that Italy missed out on the 2022 World Cup, it’s imperative that the Azzurri qualify for next summer’s tournament, giving Calafiori a strong incentive to get back on the pitch to fulfil his country’s needs.

It’s a testing situation for the player, his club and his country, with the priority being Calafiori’s fitness for all the action that awaits the defender.

Calafiori is already closing in on 2024/25 record

Calafiori’s presence has made Arsenal better this season, so the Gunners’ desire for their player to nurse his injury in London needs little explanation.

In addition to his exceptional performance, the 23-year-old’s availability is also highly valued, as the numbers demonstrate.

Despite having only played 11 games so far, Calafiori is already close to eclipsing his complete minutes tally in the Premier League from the 2024/25 season.

It’s no surprise that Arsenal want to do what they can to protect the Italian, as the Gunners are far too familiar with not having Calafiori available for selection.