Overview
- Riccardo Calafiori was substituted in the 49th minute of Sunday’s 3-2 pre-season win over Newcastle United after sustaining a knock.
- The 23-year-old defender posted an Instagram update reassuring fans that he is monitoring the issue and hoping to avoid a lengthy layoff.
- Mikel Arteta described Calafiori’s injury as a minor tweak and expressed optimism that it will not sideline him for significant preparation time.
- Arsenal added 18-year-old Cristhian Mosquera this summer to provide versatile cover across the backline amid ongoing durability questions.
- The club will assess Calafiori’s fitness ahead of friendlies against Tottenham, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao and the Aug. 17 opener at Old Trafford.