Last updated on March 21, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
Calafiori slipped while trying to change direction resulting in injury to the Arsenal defender.
Image credit: Mex (Fan)
Arsenal has been handed a fresh injury worry after Riccardo Calafiori was forced off in Italy’s 2-1 defeat to Germany in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg at the San Siro.
Italy took an early lead through Sandro Tonali, but Germany responded with second-half goals from Kleindienst and Goretzka to secure the win.
However, Italy’s frustration was compounded late in the game when Calafiori slipped while trying to change direction, clutching his knee in pain.
🚨 Riccardo Calafiori limps off after potentially suffering from a knee injury 😢 🇮🇹pic.twitter.com/FZ6oFz8gAi
💥 Think You Know Football? Let’s Prove It – Join the Ultimate EPL Fan Newsletter!
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) March 21, 2025
The Arsenal defender was treated on the pitch by Italy’s medical staff before signaling that he could not continue. He was later seen limping out of the stadium, raising concerns about his fitness.
Spalletti: “We Still Don’t Know”
After the match, Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti admitted that the full extent of the injury remains unclear.
“We still don’t know if he’s injured,” Spalletti told reporters. “Ricky feels something strange at his knee, but we still don’t know.”
Calafiori himself was equally uncertain when asked about his condition, simply responding:
“I don’t know.”
This Riccardo Calafiori injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/xgI6V70ceH
— 256 GOONER🇺🇬 (@IsaacAFC_) March 21, 2025
The Italian medical team is set to assess the defender in the coming days to determine whether he will be available for Sunday’s second leg in Dortmund.
Arsenal Left Sweating Over Calafiori’s Fitness
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be anxiously awaiting updates, as the defender has already endured injury setbacks this season.
With crucial fixtures approaching, including a Premier League clash against Fulham on April 1 and a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 8, any time on the sidelines could be a significant blow for the Gunners.
