When Italy star Calafiori is expected to return to action for Arsenal | OneFootball

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori’s injury scare proved less serious than initially expected, but he still looks bound to remain out of action for several weeks, as he should miss both Arsenal’s Champions League game against Inter and the Azzurri fixtures scheduled for the next international break.

The 22-year-old was forced off his side’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk after twisting his knee, but medical tests that followed up ruled out any significant problem as the player was reported to have suffered a ‘minor damage’ to his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

When Calafiori should return to play for Arsenal after injury

As reported by Football London, Calafiori will be sidelined for several weeks, a scenario further confirmed by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta in a press conference before his side’s EFL Cup fixture at Preston: “He will be out for a few weeks I would say,” the manager said.

If such recovery time is confirmed, Calafiori will be sure of missing the Gunners’ fixture at the San Siro against Inter next Wednesday, when the two sides will take on each other in an anticipated Champions League clash.

Riccardo Calafiori Italy EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI

Moreover, the former Bologna defender is expected to be ruled out of Luciano Spalletti’s call-ups for Italy’s Nations League matches against Belgium and France during the international break in mid-November.

Calafiori would also miss the London derby against Chelsea on 10 November, while he could hope to be back for Arsenal’s clashes against Sporting Lisbon, West Ham and Manchester United, scheduled between late November and early December.

The Italy international started three consecutive Premier League games before missing his team’s meeting with Liverpool through injury, as he was gradually establishing himself as a key piece to Mikel Arteta’s side.