Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko will not be available for the team’s Premier League clash against Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. This announcement comes as Arsenal aim to keep their momentum in the league while juggling a demanding schedule.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided an update on Calafiori, the young left-back who joined the club this season. The manager emphasized that the club is closely following the medical team’s timeline for his recovery. “We are just respecting the times that the medical department has set. We understand that he is not fully ready yet,” Arteta stated. This suggests that while Calafiori is making progress, Arsenal are not willing to take any risks with his return, ensuring he regains full fitness before stepping onto the pitch.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Gabriel of Arsenal speaks with teammate Riccardo Calafiori as they celebrate after the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on November 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Zinchenko, another key player in Arsenal’s backline, has also been ruled out of the match against Everton. The Ukrainian international has been dealing with fitness issues recently, further depleting Arsenal’s defensive options. Arteta confirmed that Zinchenko won’t be ready in time, adding to the challenges of managing a squad hit by injuries.
These absences pose a significant test for Arteta and his ability to manage squad depth. With Gabriel Magalhães recently returning to training and expected to play against Everton, Arsenal will rely heavily on other versatile options like Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior to fill the gaps in defense.
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal have managed to maintain strong form this season, currently sitting third in the Premier League table with 29 points after 15 matches. Their recent 3-0 victory over Monaco in the Champions League has boosted confidence, but squad rotation and managing player workloads remain crucial as the fixtures pile up.
Arsenal fans will hope for a swift return for both Calafiori and Zinchenko, as their presence adds valuable depth and quality to the squad. In the meantime, Arteta will need to maximize the resources at his disposal to continue the team’s push for silverware this season.
