Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that Italy international Riccardo Calafiori felt ‘emotional’ as he feared a serious injury after Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League over the weekend, but issued an encouraging update that he is ‘in contention’ to feature in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Calafiori got the second Premier League start of his Arsenal career on Saturday, playing the full game as Arsenal picked up a 4-2 victory over Leicester.
The former Bologna centre-back looked like he was struggling towards the end, however, and some supporters online have been speculating over the moment that the potential ‘injury’ occurred.
Arteta issues positive update on Calafiori after injury scare
Fortunately, Arteta has reassured supporters that Calafiori is under consideration to play against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, although he will be assessed on the day.
“(Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori) are two players that are in contention and we have to review today. We didn’t do any training sessions yesterday. (Riccardo) was a bit emotional after the game, so let’s see how he is today,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference.”
He continued: “They are two players that have a football brain, the intelligence, the quality and adaptability to occupy different spaces whether attacking or defending.
“Riccardo understood what we wanted straight away and he felt that he was going to be a perfect fit here and he was. He landed with the biggest smile on his face. He’s got this energy and aura around him. He’s very likeable and he’s a fighter, a player that wanted to play in the way we want to play and he’d do anything for the team.”
Calafiori and his Arsenal teammates will host PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday night, kicking off at 20.00 BST.
Arteta praises Calafiori after Man City: ‘Wouldn’t have done it with any other player’