Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on his Arsenal squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.
Riccardo Calafiori, along with Gabriel Magalhaes, had to sit out Arsenal’s win over Manchester United on Wednesday due to injury.
The Italian defender picked up a knock during the Gunners’ recent clash with West Ham United. Mikel Arteta later confirmed that Calafiori’s minutes need to be managed, but it would now seem that the player is struggling with a genuine injury.
Mikel Arteta shares Riccardo Calafiori injury news after training absence ahead of Fulham
In footage shared by Sky Sports News on X, is was confirmed that neither Calafiori or Gabriel were out on the training pitch with the rest of the Arsenal squad on Friday morning, but were “training indoors” to work on their recovery instead.
It was also suggested that Calafiori has been stricken with a knee complaint.
In his Friday afternoon pre-match press conference ahead of the Fulham fixture, Arteta provided an injury update on Gabriel.
On the subject of the Brazilian centre-back, the Spanish coach said: “Until we see in tomorrow’s training session, it’s very difficult to say something.” He then added that the “same” thing applies to Calafiori.
Should Calafiori’s injury record concern Arsenal?
Arsenal signed Calafiori from Bologna in the recent summer transfer window, well aware that the 22-year-old has sustained a serious knee injury earlier in his career. These things can cause issues for players long after their initial recovery period is over.
Calafiori has already missed 5 of the Gunners’ 14 Premier League games so far this season due to injury. Fans will be desperately hoping that the next time he returns to action he will be able to maintain his fitness for the rest of the campaign.
Arsenal have been in the situation many times before, where a talented player simply cannot shake off recurrent fitness issues. Arteta and those within the club will be keen to do all that they can to ensure that Calafiori doesn’t end up falling into that category.
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