Arteta explains Calafiori substitution in West Ham victory: ‘We have to manage him’ | OneFootball

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori lined up as a starter in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-2 victory over West Ham in the Premier League over the weekend, but was withdraw 10 minutes into the second half, sparking some concern given his recent injury battles.

Here is what Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta had to say about the former Bologna centre-back’s condition.

What Arteta said about Calafiori after Arsenal withdrawal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (R) shakes hands with player Riccardo Calafiori after the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in London, Britain, 01 October 2024. Arsenal won 2-0. EPA-EFE/DANIEL HAMBURY

Arteta admitted that there is ‘an issue’ with Calafiori, and later went on to explain that the 22-year-old is being carefully managed due to his recent return from injury.

“He’s been with little niggles in the last few weeks. Obviously he had a very serious knee injury and he’s doing really well, but we have to manage his minutes and today we have to do the same,” Arteta said in his post-match press conference.

Calafiori has made 13 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal since his summer transfer from Bologna, including eight in the Premier League and four in the Champions League.

He missed six club matches in October and November with a knee injury, which also kept him out of the Italy national team squad for the 1-0 win over Belgium and 3-1 loss to France during the most recent international break.