Arsenal fans breathed a collective sigh of relief after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed defender Riccardo Calafioli will be available for this weekend’s much-anticipated north London derby against Tottenham.
The news comes after the Italian player was forced to withdraw from the Italian squad during the international break, sparking initial fears that Arsenal would be without one of their key defenders for the crucial clash.
Fabrizio Romano updates on Riccardo Calafioli’s injury
Romano gave an update yesterday saying that Arsenal’s staff are not too concerned about player injuries.
The latest update is that the player is not injured and Calafioli is expected to be selected next Sunday.
“I understand that Arsenal have confirmed the news of the last 24 hours: Riccardo Calafioli will be available for the North London derby. No injuries, no problems, just overload,” Romano wrote on X.
Riccardo Calafioli has shown great performance this season.
This is a huge boost for Arsenal, as the 23-year-old has played a key role in Arsenal’s excellent start to the season.
The left-back has started every game in the Premier League so far and has shown a solid presence at the back, as well as being a threat up front.
| statistics | value |
|---|---|
| tackle | 13 |
| won a duel | 43 |
| Duel win rate % | 51.2% |
| won an aerial battle | 18 |
| Aerial duel victory rate % | 52.9% |
| intercept | 5 |
| blocked shot | 1 |
| Number of fouls committed | 17 |
| collect | 41 |
| Gaining possession (final third) | 2 |
| dribbled past | 4 |
Ricardo Calafioli’s Premier League 25/26 stats (via FotMob)
He has made 13 tackles so far, led the way with 43 duels and has a success rate of 51.2%, showing solid returns that show he can compete well in one-on-one situations. In the air, he won 18 aerial duels with a success rate of 52.9%, proving physically invincible.
Defensively, his reading of the game was solid with five interceptions and one blocked shot, and his 41 recoveries highlight the amount of loose balls and second phases he cleaned up for his team.
He also won possession twice in the final third, occasionally rising high to press and win the ball in the forward areas.
Looking ahead, the Italian has one goal and two assists in 11 games so far, with 19 shots on goal and an xG of 2.21.
Gabriel Magalhães likely to miss match against Tottenham due to injury
Arsenal have gained momentum with Calafioli’s update, but are likely to be without star player Gabriel Magalhães.
The centre-back, one of Arsenal’s best players this season, suffered a groin injury in the match between Brazil and Senegal.
Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the injury and apologized to Arsenal. He said: Is it bad? I don’t know, he had a problem with his adductor muscle and the medical staff will have to check it out tomorrow. I’m really disappointed about this, and I’m really disappointed, but when players are injured, I hope they recover quickly and well. ”
The player has been excluded from Brazil’s match against Tunisia and is expected to spend some time on the sidelines.
