Sky Sport reporter hints Arsenal may drop Calafiori vs PSV | OneFootball

Sky Sport Italia report Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta may drop Italy international Riccardo Calafiori and start Myles Lewis-Skelly against PSV this evening.

Calafiori’s Arsenal visit PSV in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg this evening, but the Italian defender may start on the bench at the Philips Stadion.

Sky Sport Italia reporter Filippo Benincampi from Eindhoven reported on Tuesday afternoon that Arteta may leave Calafiori on the bench, picking Lewis-Skelly as the starting left-back.

Sky Sport reporter hints Arsenal may drop Calafiori vs PSV

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (R) shakes hands with player Riccardo Calafiori after the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in London, Britain, 01 October 2024. Arsenal won 2-0. EPA-EFE/DANIEL HAMBURY

PSV’s attacking threats, including Noa Lang, may convince Arteta to field a more defensive Arsenal XI by leaving Calafiori initially on the sidelines.

“Calafiori is an Arsenal starter, but knowing that this game will require a more defensive approach and knowing that the second leg will be played in London, perhaps Lewis-Skelly could be a more conservative choice, but it’s still a question mark,” the journalist said.

“We still hope Calafiori will play this match because this is why Arsenal signed him: to play Champions League games.”

Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna last summer.

The Italian defender has made 16 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He has also played in five matches in the UEFA Champions League. Calafiori’s performances have been notable, including his first goal with the Gunners against Manchester City, which showcased his offensive capabilities.