Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta opens up on ‘awkward’ injury blow to key defender
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Riccardo Calafiori has suffered an embarrassing injury.
The Italian defender missed Arsenal win 2-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners maintained their lead at the top of the table. Premier League table.
Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the 14th minute, his first goal of the season, before Declan Rice’s corner was sent into his own net by Georginio Rutter to make it 2-0.
Brighton pulled one back in the second half when Diego Gomez hammered in the rebound after Yasin Ayari’s effort bounced off the post.
The defender was named as a starter to face the Seagulls, but he suffered an injury during the warm-up and went straight into the tunnel.
Arteta opens up on Calafiori injury
The Gunners boss told the press conference that Calafiori had detected a problem the day before the match and was unable to get rid of it.
“It’s something he felt yesterday, something very awkward that happened, and today in the warm-up he wasn’t comfortable,” Arteta said, as quoted by The standard.
The 23-year-old left-back has been in exceptional form for the Gunners this season and has started 16 Premier League matches so far, scoring one goal and registering two assists.
Calafiori has become Arteta’s first choice option this season and has made three Champions League appearances this season, providing one assist.
Growing injury problems
© Imago / Sports Press Photo
Arteta will be concerned by the number of injuries, particularly at the back, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera also currently injured.
The north London club have a strong squad to deal with mounting injuries, as Myles Lewis-Skelly is now set to play a few games in Calafiori’s absence.
Arsenal are showing the hallmarks of potential champions, having won three in a row since their stoppage-time defeat to Aston Villa.