Arsenal receive a new big boost ahead of the North London Derby

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has returned to the club for assessment after suffering a calf injury while on international duty with Italy.

The young left-back sustained the knock during the friendly match against France, prompting the Italian national team to take a precautionary approach and send him back to north London.

While the injury is not considered serious, Arsenal are keen to ensure Calafiori’s full recovery and have opted not to risk further aggravating the issue but the good news is that he will be available for the North London Derby.

“Riccardo Calafiori is nursing a knock, however, it is NOT serious,” said an Arsenal spokesperson. “We didn’t want the player to take any risk & he will now return to London early to be assessed at the club.”

This news comes as a relief for Arsenal, who are already facing potential injury concerns with captain Martin Ødegaard. The club will be hoping for a swift recovery for Calafiori ahead of the crucial North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15th.

Calafiori joined Arsenal in January 2023 and has been making progress in establishing himself within the squad. While his game time has been limited so far, the young Italian has shown glimpses of his potential, particularly with his attacking instincts and willingness to get forward.