Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori may miss the Gunners’ next game against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners are hoping to go into the second-leg of the semi-final with a lead, as they make the trip to Stamford Bridge for the first-leg on Wednesday night.
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Arsenal are in fantastic form as they won 4-1 in their last game against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, and now hope to put in a similar display against Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea.
However, Mikel Arteta may be without defender Riccardo Calafiori, as the Italian full-back is dealing with a knock, which could keep him out for the rest of the month.
Lewis-Skelly told he looks “vulnerable” ahead of Chelsea game
With Calafiori injured, Arteta will likely turn to 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. Last season, the defender was a real star for Arsenal, but he has struggled this year, especially seeing as Calafiori’s form has been so impressive.
Former Premier League striker Darren Bent, who is an Arsenal fan, has said that Lewis-Skelly could be an issue against the Blues, as he looked “vulnerable” in the last game against Portsmouth.
Bent said on talkSPORT: “He’s had a bit more of a difficult time this season. What he did last season, everyone was like, ‘Wow!’
“What he’s had to deal with in terms of coming back, Calafiori has been outstanding this season which is why he hasn’t got many minutes. I think he’s going to play in this game [against Chelsea], potentially, but defensively, certainly against Portsmouth as well, he’s looked a bit vulnerable at times.”
What has Arteta said about Calafiori’s injury?
It isn’t clear quite how serious Calafiori’s injury is, as it was understood that his issue was only a minor knock, but Arteta has now hinted that he could be out for longer.
The Arsenal boss said in his press conference on Tuesday: “He’s progressing, but we don’t know. I think it will be a matter of a few weeks, probably, but we don’t know exactly when.” – As things stand, he’s expected to return at the end of January.
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news.