Riccardo Calafiori injury: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s problems mount ahead of Liverpool game

Arsenal beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 at the Emirates to stay unbeaten in the Champions League this season, but lost defender Riccardo Calafiori to injury in the second half, adding to their growing list of potential absentees against Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over Riccardo Calafiori’s suspected knee injury, describing it as “not great news” ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool. Calafiori was forced off during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League after an awkward fall, further depleting Arteta’s defensive options. Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced the left-back, and Calafiori’s condition is being assessed.
This injury compounds Arsenal’s defensive worries, as they are already missing William Saliba, who is suspended after his red card at Bournemouth, and Jurrien Timber, who remains sidelined. Additionally, long-term injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney limit Arsenal’s defensive depth even further.
On the attacking front, Bukayo Saka’s status remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury, and Martin Odegaard is also out, adding to Arteta’s injury woes. Arteta admitted that Saka has not been able to train and is “unlikely” to feature against Liverpool.
Despite the fatigue and injuries affecting his squad, Arteta remains optimistic, saying that Arsenal will be “flying” by Sunday. He acknowledged that the team looked tired against Shakhtar but expects them to recover and be ready for the top-of-the-table clash.
Arsenal will need to rely on a reshuffled squad to compete with league leaders Liverpool, a match that will be pivotal in the Premier League title race.