Today, Mikel Arteta addressed the Arsenal injury news ahead of playing Crystal Palace this weekend. Will Riccardo Calafiori play?
Riccardo Calafiori has had a brilliant start to his new life at Arsenal. However, there is a nagging feeling that his start could've been better, had he not been so unfortunate with injuries.
As it stands, Riccardo Calafiori is on the treatment table at Arsenal. He started in the game against West Ham United at the end of November. However, he did not manage to play a full hour in that London derby and almost one month on, he still hasn't played for Arsenal.
What injury does Riccardo Calafiori have?
Riccardo Calafiori is currently nursing a knee injury. It is the same injury which has caused him problems all season at Arsenal.
Calafiori went down during the emphatic 5-2 win over West Ham United. Since then, he has missed five games for Arsenal.
When will Riccardo Calafiori be available for Arsenal?
According to Mikel Arteta, who spoke to the press this afternoon (Friday), Riccardo Calafiori is back and he's available for Arsenal.
In his own words, Arteta said: " Rice and Calafiori are both available to be in the squad."
So, Riccardo Calafiori is available to face Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.
Who can replace Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal?
Arsenal are very fortunate in the sense of having multiple versatile full-backs. Riccardo Calafiori himself is versatile as he can play in any defensive position.
If Calafiori is not available to start, then Myles Lewis-Skelly is the likeliest to play in his usual left-back slot. MLS has had an incredible few weeks in the starting lineup and he was rested in midweek, for Kieran Tierney to be given an opportunity.
Is Riccardo Calafiori available for Fantasy Football?
Yes, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori is available and he will be in the Arsenal squad to face Crystal Palace this weekend.
However, whether or not the Italian full-back is deemed available to start the game will depend on his match sharpness.
A safer Arsenal defender to involve in your Fantasy Football team is Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazil international recently returned from injury and he plays a key role in Arsenal's set pieces going forward.
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