Riccardo Calafiori finally gets an injury return date | OneFootball

Arsenal fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as reports confirm that Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return after the current international break.

The Italian full-back, who has been sidelined for several weeks following a knee injury sustained against Shakhtar Donetsk on 22 October, is now returning to training ahead of a full return to action according to a line at the end of a report about Ben White’s surgery.

Daily Mail 14 November 2024

Calafiori’s injury, sustained in an awkward fall in the 72nd minute of the Champions League match, initially sparked concerns of a severe ligament issue, including potential meniscus or medial lateral collateral ligament damage.

However, subsequent assessments revealed the injury was less severe, involving only the medial collateral ligament, and he has now progressed well enough to be on the verge of returning.

His imminent return is a boost for Mikel Arteta’s squad, which has sorely missed his presence during matches against Liverpool, Preston, Newcastle, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.

Alongside Calafiori, Arsenal also anticipate the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu after the international break, providing much-needed reinforcements to a backline that has been stretched thin in recent weeks.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal walks off with a injury during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Tomiyasu had been out due to an unspecified injury suffered in training during the October international break, and his return alongside Calafiori offers hope for greater defensive stability moving forward.

Ben White, however, will be sidelined for at least six weeks following minor knee surgery. White, who had been managing knee discomfort for some time, underwent the procedure during the current international break.

His absence will likely extend through to the end of the year, leaving Arteta with limited options at right-back once again.

Arsenal‘s recent run of matches has been marred by injuries across the squad, with key players including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka also withdrawing from international duty.

Both players sustained injuries during Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw against Chelsea, with Rice dealing with a broken toe before the game and Saka suffering shin bruising after a poor challenge from Mark Cucurella.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Martin Ødegaard‘s absence due to a two-month injury layoff further compounded the difficulties Arsenal have faced. His return is perhaps the most welcome of all.

While the news of Calafiori’s imminent return is a positive development, Arsenal‘s list of injured players remains long, including Ben White, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Kieran Tierney.