Riccardo Calafiori on crutches, injury sends him back to Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal‘s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, who was reportedly facing a race against time to be fit for Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League match after suffering an injury in their 3-1 victory over France, has now been sent back to London.

The 22-year-old was forced off in the 71st minute following a collision with French winger Ousmane Dembele.

Italy’s defender #03 Federico Dimarco (C) gestures as Italy’s defender #05 Riccardo Calafiori lies on the football pitch during the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Calafiori, who was praised by the Italian media for his impressive performance before the injury, was taken off as a ‘precaution’ after feeling discomfort in his right calf after Dembele landed on him.

According to Corriere dello Sport on Sunday, the Italian national team subjected Calafiori to an MRI scan, and, although no official communication had been made, initial reports suggested the injury was not serious, even though he was reportedly on crutches as per the article in the screenshot below.

Corriere dello Sport 8 Sep 2024

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti provided an update following the match, stating: “Calafiori needs to be evaluated, but with our good doctors, there is a chance he can recover.”

Despite the injury scare, CdS reported that the defender remained optimistic, leaving the stadium on crutches but in good spirits.

However, a final decision on his availability was to be be made after further assessment. “He is expected to make it,” they added.

That story has now changed.

Now, it is reported that Calafiori has been sent back to Arsenal with Italy not wanting to take any chances on the injury.

The injury came after Calafiori’s standout performance at the Parc des Princes, where his ability to switch between defensive and attacking roles was crucial to Italy’s success.

La Gazzetta dello Sport hailed him as “among the best in Paris,” praising his ability to seamlessly integrate into Italy’s midfield rotation while maintaining his defensive duties as a left-sided centre-back.

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 06: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The outlet described his performance as a “perfect snapshot” of Italy’s dynamic midfield, reminiscent of the systems used during Cesare Prandelli’s era.

Since joining Arsenal from Bologna this summer, the 22-year-old has shown why he was such a sought-after player during the transfer window.