Italy will be without Riccardo Calafiori for their Nations League quarter-final second leg against Germany after the defender suffered a knee injury in the first leg, the Italian Football Association (FIGC) confirmed on Friday.
Calafiori, 22, slipped while changing direction in stoppage time during Italy’s 2-1 defeat at the San Siro on Thursday, requiring immediate treatment.
FIGC Confirms Injury, Player Returns to Arsenal
In a statement, FIGC said:
“Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests this morning for the sprain-contusion trauma to his left knee sustained during the match against Germany, has been deemed unavailable for the return match scheduled for Sunday and will return to his home club.”
This is another setback for Italy, who were already missing Mateo Retegui due to injury.
Concerns for Arsenal
Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in July, has struggled with injuries this season, missing nine Premier League games due to a similar knee problem. His absence is a concern for Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal’s next match against Fulham on April 1st.
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Italy will now have to find a defensive solution as they look to overturn the deficit in Dortmund on Sunday.
