Arsenal have been dealt an injury setback as defender Riccardo Calafiori is expected to miss between two to three weeks after suffering a knee collateral injury. According to reports from journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian international’s injury is assessed to be between a grade one and grade two severity, meaning he will require a short spell on the sidelines.
A Blow for Arsenal’s Defense
Calafiori has been an important figure for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, offering versatility in the backline. The 22-year-old, who joined Arsenal in the summer, has seamlessly adapted to Arteta’s tactical demands, playing as both a left-back and center-back. His ability to progress the ball and contribute to build-up play has made him a valuable asset for the Gunners.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 04: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Phillips Stadium on March 04, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Losing him at a crucial stage of the season could be a concern for Arsenal, especially with important fixtures coming up in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. His absence may force Arteta to rely on alternative defensive options such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, or Kieran Tierney to fill the void.
Estimated Recovery Time
Di Marzio’s report suggests that Calafiori’s injury is not as serious as initially feared, and he is expected to return within two to three weeks. The timeline suggests that he could miss key matches, including Arsenal’s upcoming league fixtures and possibly the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid on April 8.
However, if his recovery progresses well, there is optimism that he could be available for the return leg in Madrid on April 16. Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor his rehabilitation to ensure he returns fully fit without risking further aggravation to the injury.
Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures
With the international break providing a temporary pause in club football, Arsenal will hope that Calafiori’s recovery coincides with this period to minimize the number of games he misses. However, if he is sidelined for three weeks, these are the matches he could potentially be absent for:
Fulham (A) – April 1 (Premier League)
Real Madrid (H) – April 8 (Champions League)
Aston Villa (H) – April 13 (Premier League)
Real Madrid (A) – April 16 (Champions League)
His availability for the second leg against Real Madrid remains uncertain, but Arsenal fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery.
Arteta’s Defensive Adjustments
With Calafiori sidelined, Arteta may have to tweak his defensive setup. Jakub Kiwior could be given more opportunities at left-back, while Zinchenko and Tierney remain viable options. The manager may also choose to shuffle his center-back pairing to accommodate any tactical adjustments.
While Calafiori’s absence is a setback, Arsenal will be hopeful that his injury is not long-term and that he can return in time for the crucial fixtures in the season’s final stretch.