Not Great News: Mikel Arteta provides worried Riccardo Calafiori injury update

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared an update on the summer signing Riccardo Calafiori who was forced off with an injury in the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Calafiori limped off in the second half after suffering what appeared to be a right knee injury and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly. This will come as a huge blow for Arsenal who are set to face Liverpool on Sunday.

When asked for an update on Calafiori after the game, Arteta told Amazon Prime: “He felt something. He could not continue playing. So, [it is a] bit of a worry.”

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes Calafiori will be a “massive loss” for Arsenal if he misses the Liverpool clash. “I’m not a medical expert, but that doesn’t look good for Riccardo Calafiori,” he said on commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live.

“His right knee, he is put off balance and slips. Then it’s awkward the way he goes down. He tweaks his right knee. This is a real concern for Arsenal [with] all the talk of the big game at the weekend.

“It’s such an intense period. Injuries puts pressure on the squad. Arsenal are missing key players such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. It was the way Riccardo Calafiori fell. When he went down again, you think there’s something there.”

Arsenal are currently without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard and versatile defender Jurrien Timber. The trio are unlikely to be available for the match on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta will also play the match without William Saliba who is suspended after he was sent off against Bournemouth.

Arsenal’s title credential will be put to a tough test by Liverpool who are flying high under the guidance of Arne Slot. The Reds defeated Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday to retain their spot at the top of the summit.