Arsenal receives a blow as Riccardo Calafiori withdraws from Italy squad due to injury concern

Arsenal faced a setback as Riccardo Calafiori was forced to pull out of Italy's squad due to an injury scare on Sunday.

The 22-year-old suffered a calf injury in the second half of Italy’s 3-1 win away to France in the Nations League on Friday evening.

Calafiori has delivered an impressive performance on the left side of Italy’s defence before he was substituted in the 71st minute.

Italy’s Football Association has now confirmed that Calafiori has left the squad on Sunday and will return to Arsenal for further medical tests.

Italy are due to play Israel in their second Nations League game on Monday evening.

When asked about Calafiori’s calf problem, Italy head coach, Luciano Spalletti, suggested that the Arsenal defender would be in contention to play against Israel.

‘We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game,’ he said.

The Italy defender joined Arsenal in a £42 million deal from Serie A side Bologna in the summer transfer window.

Calafiori’s injury will provide further concern for Arsenal ahead of their north London derby against Tottenham next Sunday.

Mikel Arteta is already without Declan Rice, who will miss the game due to his controversial red card in the 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.