Declan Rice is suspended and Arsenal may turn to Calafiori as an alternative, who has already proved how capable he is during cameos off of the bench.
Arteta may decide to deploy the Italian at left-back with Jurrien Timber moving into midfield, playing in the number eight role.
Both defenders are extremely versatile, explaining why Arteta was so keen to bring them to the club.
That being said, despite Calafiori dominating against France on Friday, the Italian picked up an injury, and is now a doubt for Monday’s tie against Israel and then the upcoming derby.
Riccardo Calafiori missing from Italy training and doubtful for Monday
Ahead of Italy’s tie with Israel early next week, Sky Italia have now provided an update on Calafiori’s situation.
Calafiori’s condition is continuing to be monitored by Italy’s medical staff but the defender was not present on the bus that took Luciano Spalletti’s side to training on Saturday.
Riccardo Calafiori of Italy injured during the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 League A - Group 2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes ...
Therefore, Calafiori is considered ‘doubtful’ ahead of Monday’s tie against Israel in the Nations League.
In fact, Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno is being lined up as replacement for the Arsenal defender in the scenario, one that is looking increasingly likely.
22-year-old Calafiori has endured a torrid time with injuries during his career to date, but fortunately this does just seem to be a minor knock – even if it does prevent minutes on Monday.
Riccardo Calafiori’s injury could alter Kai Havertz’s role vs Tottenham
Right now, it seems as if Arteta would be well-advised to keep Kai Havertz as Arsenal’s number nine in the upcoming derby.
Havertz was excellent for Germany against Hungary, even if he did play as a number 10 on that occasion.
But if Calafiori is missing and Timber remains at left-back, there may be some temptation for Arteta to use Havertz as a number eight once again.
That would be a disappointing turn of events, even if that could mean fitting someone like Gabriel Jesus into the starting eleven as well.
Havertz is capable of playing in midfield, but it would be a real shame to disrupt his momentum up top – a player who’s already scored two goals in three games this season.
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