Arsenal injury blow with defender facing ‘weeks’ out | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is facing ‘weeks’ out with a knee issue picked up on international duty.

Calafiori picked up the issue while representing Italy during the break and is facing a spell on the sidelines. It’s the third knee injury of the season for the 22-year-old, who has endured a stop-start debut campaign with the Gunners.

The latest issue is set to rule Calafiori out of tomorrow’s clash with Fulham in the Premier League. He’s also a major doubt to feature as Arsenal face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals later this month.

“Calafiori unfortunately picked up a knee injury again with the national team. It was really unfortunate how that injury happened but it could have been much worse,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.

“So hopefully it’s going to be a matter of weeks. But we have to see how the injury evolves.”

Arteta provided a more positive update on Jurrien Timber. The Dutch defender is available to face Fulham after a bout of illness.

“Jurrien [Timber] has been ill for long but he has felt much better in the last few days, so he is available.”

On facing Fulham, Arteta said his team are gearing up for the most ‘exciting part’ of the Premier League season. Arsenal are currently second in the table, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.

“We had a good time to reflect an reset and put ourselves in a good position to go into the most exciting part of the Premier League season.

“It’s possible to win tomorrow. The preparation is to be better than Fulham and beat them. If we do that, we will start to build a momentum that will help us in both competitions.”

Read – Arteta confirms huge Arsenal injury boost ahead of Fulham

See more – Viktor Gyokeres: The game-changer Arsenal need?

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