Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides 'worried' Riccardo Calafiori injury update
Riccardo Calafiori limped off in Arsenal's Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is concerned about the defender ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorMikel Arteta has admitted he is concerned about Riccardo Calafiori after the defender was forced off with an injury in Arsenal's 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. It comes as a huge blow to Arsenal, who are due to face fellow Premier League title challengers Liverpool on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka is a doubt for the fixture after picking up a hamstring injury while away with England and William Saliba will be suspended for the match after he was sent off against Bournemouth.
The involvement of captain Martin Odegaard and versatile defender Jurrien Timber is also in doubt and 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."
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"It is so unfortunate as he's been brilliant since he come to Arsenal," Sutton continued "He can play in the midfield role, he has the awareness for that. Calafiori will be a massive loss at the weekend. Arsenal need to find a way of muddling their way through. Tonight it is job done.
"There will be disappointment as Mikel Arteta would have liked things easier, but this is top level Champions League football. Arsenal are still a force." Arsenal currently sit third in the league, four points behind top of the table Liverpool, and Sunday's clash could have major ramifications on the title race.
By the time the match gets underway, rivals Manchester City may occupy top spot. City take on winless Southampton on Saturday, with Arsenal and Liverpool in action the following day.
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