MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta confirms Italy international Riccardo Calafiori is ‘definitely out’ against Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle.

The Gunners visit the Magpies in a Premier League game on Saturday, but Italy international Calafiori won’t be eligible.

Arteta said at a press conference that Calafiori is ‘definitely out’ for the trip at St. James’ Park.

Arteta: Arsenal coach confirms Calafiori ‘definitely out’ against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (R) shakes hands with player Riccardo Calafiori after the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in London, Britain, 01 October 2024. Arsenal won 2-0. EPA-EFE/DANIEL HAMBURY
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (R) shakes hands with player Riccardo Calafiori after the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in London, Britain, 01 October 2024. Arsenal won 2-0. EPA-EFE/DANIEL HAMBURY

Calafiori suffered a knee injury in a Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk less than two weeks ago.

The problem is seemingly not as serious as initially feared, but will still force the Italy star to the sidelines for a few weeks.

Recent reports suggest Calafiori won’t return to action for Arsenal before the end of November and the start of December.

This means that he’s also expected to miss Italy’s Nations League games against France and Belgium later this month.

Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna in a €50m deal last summer and has scored one goal in 10 appearances for the Gunners.

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