Arsenal receive fresh update on Riccardo Calafiori Injury - Will he play in the North London Derby?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Arsenal have received a massive update on the injury status of Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered an issue on Saturday.

Calafiori, who joined Arsenal in the summer, was part of the Italy team which beat France 3-1 in Paris.

Amid the magnificent win for the Azzurris, Calafiori was caught on the leg by Ousmane Dembele. The Italian defender was subsequently taken off by Luciano Spaletti.

Although it was perceived to be not a serious issue, the defender has returned to North London and won't be part of the Italy squad anymore. After Calafiori's return to Arsenal was confirmed, there were concerns about the defender's injury status as it was feared that the new signing may be out for a lengthy period of time.

But according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the severity of the injury is not as grave as it was initially thought. As per the reporter, the Arsenal new boy has only suffered a knock and is likely to be back for the North London Derby Next Sunday.

"Sources insist Riccardo Calafiori injury is not serious and it's just a knock, nothing worrying. Arsenal also didn't want Calafiori to take any risk and he will be assessed next week," Romano tweeted on Sunday.

Will Riccardo Calafiori play in North London Derby?

It will be a massive relief for Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal manager desperately needs all of his players fit for the two massive clashes. The Gunners won't have Declan Rice for the derby against Tottenham, as the midfielder saw a Red Card in the last match against Brighton. Although the club won't take any risk on the player, the general expectation at North London is that the 22-year-old will be available for selection come next Sunday.

If the defender is fit for selection, he is likely to be involved in some sort of capacity. Arteta is likely to pair William Saliba and Gabriel in the centre of defence but the Italian can be introduced in the latter half of the match if situation permits.