Arsenal have had a difficult time with injuries during the ongoing campaign.
The club have been particularly hampered in the attacking department this year, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines.
The Gunners have now suffered another minor setback. Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knee injury in the final stages of Italy’s 2-1 loss to Germany this week.
The versatile left-back has already returned to Arsenal for further examination and could be out of action for two to three weeks, according to reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
Alongside Calafiori, Jurrien Timber has also returned to London early. The Dutchman missed the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final against Spain due to illness.
The defender has not recovered yet and the Netherlands have decided to replace him with Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen in the squad for the away leg on Sunday evening.
Gabriel Magalhaes has likewise travelled back to the English capital due to suspension.
The Brazilian picked up his second yellow card of the World Cup qualifying campaign against Colombia. The centre-back is suspended for next week’s clash versus Argentina.
Gabriel’s return is good news for Arsenal. The Gunners will be hoping that Timber can fully recover from his illness too before the London derby against Fulham on April 1.
Calafiori’s injury remains the main concern for the club. He will undergo further tests at London Colney but appears doubtful for the games against Fulham and Everton.
He may have an outside chance of making the squad for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on April 8.
Despite his setback, Arsenal have the left-back position well covered. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been phenomenal in the role. Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko can provide backup.
Jurrien Timber could also play there if Ben White gets the nod at right-back.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com