The Arsenal defender slipped awkwardly while attempting to change direction in stoppage time of the Azzurri’s 2-1 Nations League play-off defeat against Germany.
Calafiori appeared to catch his left foot on the San Siro turf and effectively performed the splits before he collapsed to the ground in pain.
The 23-year-old received treatment on the pitch from Italy’s medical team and although he was able to leave the pitch without the aid of a stretcher, he was moving extremely gingerly.
‘He said that his knee feels strange, but cannot answer more precisely than that, so we’ll have to see,’ explained coach Luciano Spalletti in his press conference.
As he left the stadium last night, the former Bologna player was asked about his condition but he was unable to shed any major light on the situation, briefly saying ‘I still don’t know.’
Italy play the return leg against Germany in Dortmund on Sunday evening but are almost certain to be without Calafiori who is likely to return to his club for further assessments
Losing a player of Calafiori’s versatility at this point of the season would represent a significant blow for Mikel Arteta, not to mention the player himself.
Calafiori has endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful during his first campaign with the club which has already been interrupted by several injury setbacks.
The Italian’s buccaneering, adventurous style has been of particular use in recent weeks given Arsenal’s lack of attacking options and his potential absence will only serve to heighten the burden on teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Called up to the senior England squad last week, the 18-year-old will, if Calafiori’s injury is as serious as it appears, will be tasked with the prospect of marking Vinicius Jnr when Arsenal face Real Madrid in the Champions League next month.
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