Rival watch: Arteta confirms knee injury to Arsenal defender ahead of Real Madrid showdown | OneFootball

Real Madrid have received an unexpected setback as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori will be sidelined for “weeks” due to a knee injury sustained while on international duty with Italy.

This news comes as the Gunners prepare for their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid next week.

The 22-year-old defender, who has had a challenging start to his debut season at Arsenal, now faces his third knee injury of the campaign.

The latest setback occurred during the international break, adding to the list of unfortunate injuries that have disrupted his season so far.

Calafiori’s latest issue is expected to rule him out of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Fulham, and he is now a significant doubt for the Champions League clash against Madrid.

Arteta’s comment on Calafiori

Arteta spoke candidly about the injury during his pre-match press conference:

“Calafiori unfortunately picked up a knee injury again with the national team. It was really unfortunate how that injury happened, but it could have been much worse.

“So, hopefully, it’s going to be a matter of weeks. But we have to see how the injury evolves.”

Riccardo Calafiori got injured while playing for Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The loss of Calafiori will certainly be a blow to Arteta, especially as Arsenal look to recover from recent challenges and prepare for their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

The Gunners will have to adjust their defensive plans, and there is added pressure on Bukayo Saka, who has recently returned from injury, to maintain his form as the team battles through the final stages of the competition.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be watching the developments closely, knowing that their upcoming quarter-final match against Arsenal could be impacted by these unforeseen injuries.

The absence of Calafiori may make Arsenal’s defensive lineup more vulnerable, potentially playing into Madrid’s hands as they look to advance in the competition.