Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has been compelled to drop out of the international team of Italy to play their world cup qualifier against Norway. The 23-year-old had earlier joined the Gunners in a 42 million transfer in the summer. He attributed this to a long-standing hip problem which had intensified in training. The problem was in confirmation by Italy medical staff, places under a close supervision of manager Gennaro Gattuso. This led to an immediate re-flight back to London to assess the problem. This premature departure does not only hamper the push of Italy in Group I but it puts an undue strain on the already overburdened defensive headache of Mikel Arteta.
Calafiori’s Rising Star in Red and White
Calafiori has proved to be a pillar of the defensive revolution at Arsenal since joining the team. The all-round Italian is also capable of playing as a left-back or in the middle. He offers calmness, dribbling skills and forward-looking passes, which is very consistent with the build-from-the-back philosophy of the club. Moreover, he has recorded a passing accuracy of 92% in only 15 outings in the Premier League this season and a 1.8 clearance per game. He also has contributed to Arsenal having a paltry 0.8 goals per game. His smoothness with William Saliba and Gabriel is one way he has turned his weaknesses into strengths. Thus making his absence an eye opener.
🚨🔴⚪️ Riccardo Calafiori has left Italy camp today and returns to London to be assessed by Arsenal staff.
“He tried to be available but he can’t force now”, says Italy coach Gattuso.#AFC staff informed + not anticipating a big problem or issue. pic.twitter.com/lkhIwbz60F
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2025
Adding to Arsenal’s Mounting Defensive Woes
This blow adds to the long term defensive headache at Arsenal. As Gabriel Magalhaes brings a knock and Jurrien Timber continues his post-ACL rupture recovery by actively playing well again. The choices of Arteta are narrow. Northern derby against Tottenham on November 23 is giant match where the defensive solidarity may characterize the title battle. The possibility of Calafiori missing would leave the flanks vulnerable to the lightning-fast Spurs forwards such as Son Heung-min, and the resolve of ad hoc fronts. The social media fans are already expressing their dissatisfaction calling it another sadistic turn of our injury curse.
The Path to Recovery and Optimism
Positively, the first information of Fabrizio Romano states that the problem is not as severe as it seems. He might come back on November 23 against Tottenham. With the medical staff of Arsenal being known to have been thorough with rehab procedure, scans and light workloads will be emphasized to assist Arsenal in cutting down his recovery time. Should Calafiori break even, he would be a stimulating presence to the Gunners in a run-in. At least temporarily, Arteta will have to get his men on board, and adversity will be their fuel of success in the derby. Resilience is the strongest weapon that can help Arsenal in the high stakes world of Premier League warfare and Calafiori is the best weapon that can help the club in the competitive world.
As featured on GoonerNews.com