Riccardo Calafiori could return for Arsenal after the international break.
Riccardo Calafiori has been missing for Arsenal since he suffered a minor knee injury against Shakhtar Donetsk. While described as an escape from something more serious, even a minor problem to this particular joint can cause a period of absence that covers several weeks and that has been the case.
The Gunners have missed the Italian’s progression and left-sided partnership with Gabriel Martinelli. The full-back has been a hit from the off and while Jurrien Timber is a solid option, the natural left-footer is preferred by Arteta’s system.
Having Calafiori back for the games after the break will be a huge boost, especially ones against Manchester United and Sporting. While the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also working on their returns. – not to mention Martin Odegaard too who has returned from Norway and will work on his fitness hoping to be in a better condition to play in a week-plus time.
Friendly preparation
Often, Arteta will use these breaks to further the understanding of his philosophy with his team and give minutes to some players in need of game time. This is done through the utilisation of Arsenal’s club contacts and scheduling of a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Brentford, Watford and Ipswich Town have all been sides the club has faced in recent seasons in these private clashes. So far, there is no evidence that this will be taking place but there are plenty of senior players staying behind.
Neto, Ben White, Thomas Partey, Odegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Martinelli remain with plenty of the youth contingent as well. Perhaps there is a team also in need of some minutes that can find an agreement with Arsenal.
Reflect, reset and respond
It has been a pretty miserable few weeks to be an Arsenal fan as their form has dipped and they’ve gone through the inevitable lull that occurs every season. Last year it came in December and this campaign it is apparently a month early.
With it coming early it means other sides have widened their gap. This break firstly gives a period to look over what went wrong, for both the players and the coaching staff.
After observing these wrongs, it is time to learn from them and reset. Regaining that confidence and form that has taken Arsenal back amongst the title challenges enjoyed in the past two campaigns.
Lastly, when the break comes to a close, the club needs to respond. The first game is at home to Nottingham Forest, the first time in five matches that the Gunners will play at the Emirates Stadium and it is much-needed – time to kickstart the season.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men’s team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
Leave a Reply