Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori returns to London after injury in Italy's match against France

The defender will miss Italy’s next game.

Riccardo Calafiori has left Italy’s team camp and has returned to London. The player suffered an injury in the UEFA Nations League game against France.

The Arsenal player sustained an injury on Friday following an odd incident during a match in the Nations League.

The Arsenal medical staff will evaluate the Italian as he returns to the England capital. In the 71st minute of Italy’s encounter versus France at Parc des Princes, Calafiori hobbled off the pitch.

After making a fantastic impression at Euro 2024, the central defender resumed international duty. This summer, he moved to the Emirates from Bologna for a reported £42 million transfer fee. The 22-year-old sustained an injury where he did not do anything and was caught up by the opponent player.

It all began in the 66th minute with a collision between one of France’s top players Ousmane Dembele and Calafiori’s teammate Alessandro Bastoni.

Dembele of PSG was tackled from behind by the Inter Milan player, Bastoni. Then the attacking player caught Calafiori in the back of the knee as he landed, making contact with his left leg.

Five minutes later, the new signing of the Gunners was substituted despite his best efforts of staying on. For the Azzurri’s upcoming match, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti anticipated on Saturday that the defender will be fully recovered.

He had told reporters: “We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.”

Calafiori, who is back home, disputes this. He will not be present for Italy’s Monday night match against Israel in Budapest.

A fresh update on Calafiori’s ailment indicates that it is just a precautionary measure. The defender is not dealing with anything more serious than a knock.

The 22-year-old is unlikely to start the international match. There’s a decent chance he’ll heal completely in time for the North London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.