Arsenal fears a serious defensive blow ahead of facing Real Madrid

Riccardo Calafiori, defender for Arsenal and the Italian national team, suffered an injury to his left knee during a UEFA Nations League match between Italy and Germany (1-2). The injury occurred when the defender slipped and fell heavily while defending against a rival attack. Although he initially tried to continue playing, he eventually left the field with visible pain on his face.

Calafiori underwent medical tests to assess the trauma, which includes a sprain and a bruise on the left knee. It is suspected that it could be a grade one or two injury, but the final diagnosis will be made by the Arsenal medical team. Due to this injury, the defender withdrew from the Italian national team's concentration and will not participate in the return leg of the quarter-finals against Germany this Sunday in Dortmund.

In this regard, Calafiori's injury raises concerns for the team managed by Mikel Arteta, especially with important matches upcoming, such as the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid (April 8). Additionally, the 22-year-old defender is also doubtful for the upcoming Premier League matches against Fulham and Everton.

Mikel Arteta in trouble to cover Calafiori's absence against Madrid

To cover the absence of the player from Rome, Mikel Arteta has players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, and Jakub Kiwior in terms of defenders. Additionally, Jurrien Timber and Ben White, who have recently recovered from their injuries, could assist in defensive roles.

The Arsenal's ability to rotate players and manage injuries will be crucial in this critical phase of the season. This includes ensuring that players are well-rested and prepared to face the upcoming challenges. So far, Riccardo has 3 goals and 2 assists in 26 matches (1,418 minutes) with the 'gunners'.

In the round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven, he scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist in the first leg played in the Netherlands (1-7). Currently, the Italian may only be available for the return leg to be played at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16.