Catch all the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Riccardo Calafiori, red card verdict and Thomas Partey contract.
Injury expert update on Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori is a fresh injury concern following the side’s clash with Leicester City over the weekend.
The defender seemingly suffered a knee issue at the end of the game, following two stoppage-time goals for the Gunners.
The Italian landed on his leg awkwardly, bringing out concerns of a possible ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) problem.
However, an injury expert has given an update that is slightly more promising for Arsenal than an ACL, though it still isn’t ideal news.
The Physio Scout said: “This type of mechanism brings concern for MCL/meniscus injury. But it can also be as minor as a bone bruise/contusion.
“Reports say Calafiori was visibly sad in the dressing room, let’s hope this isn’t an indication of a serious injury. I use this term EXTREMELY sparingly too, but there is a slight chance of an ACL injury, but extremely unlikely.
“The lack of footage makes this hard to analyse as this was the last play of the game. Let’s hope it’s only minor.
“Recovery time: if MCL: 2-10 weeks. If meniscus: 4-8 weeks. If bone bruise/contusion: less than a week.”
Read more on Riccardo Calafiori injury, here.
How Arsenal feel about Thomas Partey contract
Arsenal have a huge decision to make over the next few months when it comes to the future of midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Ghanaian international has less than one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, putting uncertainty over a new deal.
With that in mind, The Mirror claims that Arsenal haven’t made a move to discuss the possibility of a contract extension with the Partey, while the Gunners are ‘yet to show an appetite’ to offer a brand new deal.
It leaves a huge few months ahead for Mikel Arteta and the hierarchy when it comes to a decision over the midfielder.
Read more on Thomas Partey contract, here.
Gary Lineker discusses Arsenal red card decision
Arsenal may have been fortunate to get away with another red card in the clash against Leicester, due to a foul on the breakaway.
Defender Riccardo Calafiori caught Facundo Buonanotte on the counter-attack, resulting in a foul and free kick but not a second yellow card.
For Gary Lineker, it was a clear red card as he said on Match of the Day: “Steve Cooper was not happy, he thought Calafiori should have had another yellow card – I find it difficult to disagree with him.”
Micah Richards agreed, saying: “Yeah, well I thought last week with Trossard, I didn’t think it was a yellow card for kicking the ball away.
“Today, with Calafiori I think that’s a second yellow card, I think he was lucky to stay on the pitch.”
Read more on Riccardo Calafiori red card verdict, here.
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