Arteta: Calafiori’s injury ‘could have been much worse’ | OneFootball

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says Riccardo Calafiori’s injury ‘could have been much worse’ so ‘hopefully’ the Italian defender will return ‘in a matter of weeks.’

Calafiori sustained a knee injury while on international duty with the Italy national team during the March break.

“Ricardo, unfortunately, picked up an injury again with the national team. Really unfortunate the way it happened,” Arteta said at a press conference on Monday via Football London.

Arteta: Calafiori’s injury ‘could have been much worse’

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy goes down with an injury during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

“It could have been much worse. So hopefully it’s going to be a matter of weeks. But we’ll have to see how that injury evolves.”

Italian media have reported that Calafiori’s injury will force him to the sidelines for two to three weeks.

Calafiori had missed November’s international matches due to another knee injury.

The former Bologna defender made his senior Italy debut in June 2024 and has collected nine appearances with La Nazionale.

The 22-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions with Arsenal this season.

A product of the Roma academy, Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna in a deal close to €50m.

The Italian defender’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in June 2029.