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Emirates Stadium, Arsenal | Getty Images
Arsenal players have been away on international duty ahead of the Premier League’s return next weekend
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table after their first 11 fixtures. They have made a solid start to the new season as they look to win the title ahead of the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Mikel Arteta’s side drew 2-2 away at Sunderland in their last outing before the international break.
The Gunners are four points clear ahead of City in 2nd and have lost only once in this campaign so far. They are back in action next weekend as they look to keep their momentum going. The London outfit face rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal defender William Saliba shines for France
Arsenal defender William Saliba is a key player for both club and country. He helped France win 4-0 in their most recent World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine on Thursday evening. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, whilst Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike also managed to get themselves on the scoresheet.
Saliba played the full 90 minutes and helped his team pick up three points and a clean sheet. He was picked ahead of Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. French news outlet Foot Mercato delivered this verdict on his performance: “Preferred to (Ibrahima) Konate to start this crucial match in the race for qualification, the Arsenal defensive stalwart enjoyed a very quiet evening. Never troubled and solid in the air, he consistently got ahead of his opponent. Reassuring, he also shone with some valuable defensive recoveries. 6.5/10.”
Meanwhile, Sud Ouest had this to say: “A completely controlled performance from the Arsenal player, who was never troubled in duels or when making runs in behind the defence. He made a crucial intervention on one of Ukraine’s rare forays forward (74th minute). He kept things simple in possession.”
Arsenal centre-back Riccardo Calafiori out for Italy
Arsenal full-back Riccardo Calafiori wasn’t in Italy squad against Moldova. They won 2-0 but their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup automatically are all but over now. Their goal difference is far too inferior to Norway’s.
Italy boss Gennaro Gattuse believes Calafiori’s versatility will come in handy and he said in an interview last week, as per Football Italia: “He’s not just a left-back, he plays in more than one role**.** He recognises the spaces and knows how to move. He’s a smart player; he can play anywhere. Left-back, centre-back, central midfielder. He can do anything.”
Calafiori, 23, joined Arsenal back in 2024 from Bologna to bolster their defensive department. He has since adapted well to life in England and is a solid operator. The Rome-born man has made 41 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with four goals from the back.
He rose up through the academy ranks at Roma and was a regular for the Serie A giants at various different youth levels before going on to play 18 times for their first-team as a youngster, as well as having a loan spell away at Genoa to get some experience under his belt. Calafiori then spent time in Switzerland with FC Basel before returning to Italy.
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