Arsenal have been dealt another injury blow, as Riccardo Calafiori has returned to north London from international duty prematurely.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the defender left the Italian national camp on Saturday, ahead of his country’s 2026 World Cup qualifier with Norway which is slated for Sunday evening.
Taking to social media to break the news, Romano wrote: “Riccardo Calafiori has left Italy camp today and returns to London to be assessed by Arsenal staff.”
He also added that Italy coach, Gennaro Gattuso had said: “He tried to be available but he can’t force now,” on matters pertaining to Calafiori.
It is understood that Arsenal staff have been informed of Calafiori’s return to the English capital, and they are not expecting a major problem or issue. It comes as the 23-year-old reportedly ‘ignored’ Arsenal’s request for him to stay in London during the international break, as per Italian media.
The youngster has been a huge part of Mikel Arteta’s table-topping side this term, having started in each of the Gunners’ 11 Premier League outings thus far. As Arsenal have had to navigate a number of injuries to earn a four-point lead on second-place Manchester City, it would be understandable if the club are eager to limit any further issues headed into a hectic schedule of fixtures.
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