• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Arsenal defender pulls out of national squad through injury days before North London derby

Home> Football> Football News> Arsenal

Published 17:52 8 Sep 2024 GMT+1

Arsenal defender pulls out of national squad through injury days before North London derby

It is worrying news for Mikel Arteta ahead of September 15.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Arsenal have suffered an injury scare ahead of the upcoming North London derby following a bizarre incident in Friday's Nations League clash between Italy and France.

Luciano Spalletti's side recorded a headline-grabbing 3-1 win over their Group A2 opponents thanks to goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori.

It was a night full of positives for the Italians, who have struggled on the international scene in recent years.

Advert

But a huge setback was an injury to centre-back Riccardo Calafiori. The defender's evening was cut short following an unusual collision with Ousmane Dembele.

Alessandro Bastoni produced a crunching challenge on Dembele, who went flying into the air, and as he landed the winger caught Calafiori's calf with his boot, studs first.

The 22-year-old tried to power through before being replaced five minutes later.

After the game, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti gave an update on Calafiori's situation, saying: “We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game."

Advert

However, it has emerged that Calafiori has left the Italy camp to be assessed by the Arsenal medical staff ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Spurs.

The centre-back, who arrived from Bologna in the summer for a reported £42 million, gave his thoughts on the night in a social media.

Arsenal will be without Declan Rice for Sunday's game after he was sent off in their 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend.

Image credit: Getty
Image credit: Getty

Advert

Summer signing Mikel Merino is also expected to miss the game following a freak injury in training. In fact, the midfielder will miss a "few weeks" after the shoulder injury.

"Yes, very unfortunate," Arteta said regarding Merino's injury. "He had a collision and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks."

The Spaniard added: "He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably."

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Transfers, Italy

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack is a Senior Journalist who enjoys a long read. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day, and has interviewed a handful of FM's finest, including Freddy Adu, Supat Rungratsamee and Mika Aaritalo.

X

@jackkenmare_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga takes ANOTHER twist after key issue during negotiations that could end deal

    Arsenal are hoping to complete a deal for the Sporting striker.

    Football
  • an hour ago

    Chelsea fans are convinced one player needs to leave following win over Fluminense in Club World Cup

    Chelsea are in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Arsenal 'planning' sensational swap deal with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze and it's pure genius

    Mikel Arteta is desperate to add the Crystal Palace man to his squad.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Barcelona prepared to issue ultimate humiliation to Marcus Rashford as Man Utd star makes shock Carrington appearance

    Marcus Rashford continues to be linked with a move away from Manchester United.

    Football
  • Arsenal handed worrying Martin Odegaard injury update days before North London derby
  • Arsenal star breaks his silence after suffering bizarre injury for national team ahead of the North London derby
  • Arsenal star limps off the pitch in Nations League game just days before North London derby
  • New report gives huge Bukayo Saka injury update ahead of Man City clash after Arsenal star limps out of North London derby