Mikel Arteta reacts during Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal have reportedly been hit with another injury, with Riccardo Calafioli having to sit out of today’s squad for the game against Brighton.
The Italy international was initially named in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI against the Seagulls, but was later pulled and replaced by Miles Lewis-Skelly.
According to the Evening Standard, it was because Calafioli felt something while warming up before the match, but it is not yet clear how serious or long-term the problem is.
Calafioli may simply have to miss this game as a precaution, but it’s safe to say the 23-year-old hasn’t had the best fitness record during his time with the Gunners.
Riccardo Calafioli deals another injury blow to Arsenal
Calafioli arrived at Arsenal with a bit of a reputation for being injury-prone, which undoubtedly caused turmoil in his first season at the Emirates Stadium.
Calafiori suffered a total of seven injuries last season, which meant he managed just 19 games in the Premier League and 29 in all competitions.
It has been a good season for the former Bologna player, but he has now suffered another setback. This is something Arsenal don’t need at a time when there are so many games coming up.
Arsenal suffer injury to defender
Arsenal will also be without Julian Timber today, with Ben White and Cristian Mosquera also suffering recent injuries.
On a more positive note, Gabriel Magalhães has returned to the AFC bench, meaning the centre-back position has been significantly strengthened.
Arsenal also have a lot of depth this season, which meant they were able to continue playing with a very strong lineup despite a number of injuries in various positions.
However, every team has its limits, and Arsenal fans will be hoping that Calafioli is not out for long and that other key players such as Timber return as soon as possible.
