For the second time this season, Calafiori was dropped from Arsenal’s starting lineup just before kick-off. Following his replacement by Lewis Skelly ahead of the earlier game against Brighton, this time against Wigan Athletic, Bukayo Saka had to fill in temporarily, while Skelly moved back to his usual left-back position.
However, Arteta did not reveal much about the Italian’s injury after the match. This is not unusual for the Spanish coach, but he will be pressed for more details at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
On Calafiori and Ben White’s fitness
“Yes, he and Ben (White) are the only two question marks,” Arteta said. “We have to wait and see how things develop over the next 48 hours.”
Ben White later posted on his Instagram Stories that he was “not injured”, which is a boost for himself and possibly for Tuchel’s hopes of calling him up for the March international break. But regarding Calaarsfiori, there still seems to be little known about his problem. The Italian will miss six league games, including the Brighton match earlier this season where he was also dropped from the starting lineup.
He has missed 16 league games due to six different issues scattered throughout the season. He was crucial and fit in the first half of the season, and many had hoped he had finally shaken off his recurring problems, but this latest setback has raised questions again.
Arteta does have Jakub Kiwior and Lewis Skelly who can play left-back, although the latter is only used occasionally and has struggled for form.
Whether this will trigger a decision on Calafiori’s future this summer or a choice to make further signings in defense remains to be seen. However, there is a feeling that the arrival of sporting director Edu Gaspar and the club’s position at the top of the standings have led to more ruthless evaluations of squad decisions.
For example, despite Gabriel Jesus publicly stating his desire to stay at the club after his current contract expires, there is no sign that renewal talks are ongoing or about to begin. The Brazilian has also been plagued by persistent injuries.
