Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori will not be available for Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round tie at Portsmouth, with the defender still short of a return following the injury he suffered before Christmas.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Speaking ahead of the trip to Fratton Park, Arteta ruled out the Italian despite suggestions that his absence may not extend much further into January.
Calafiori has not featured since pulling up during the warm-up against Brighton, an issue that has kept him sidelined for games against Villa, Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Asked whether the 23-year-old could be involved on the south coast, Arteta was clear. “I don’t think so. I think that game is going to be too early for him,” he said.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Kai Havertz of Arsenal applauds as he warms up on the side lines during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on December 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arteta was more upbeat when discussing Kai Havertz, who is edging closer to a competitive return after a prolonged absence.
There was also no fresh update on Piero Hincapié, who was forced off during the second half of the Premier League match against Liverpool with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Piero Hincapie of Arsenal goes down injured during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
The Ecuadorian is undergoing further tests, with Arsenal still trying to determine the extent of the problem.
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