Arsenal are facing a potential injury blow ahead of crucial fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton, with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori now an injury doubt.
The £42 million summer signing sustained a knee injury during the Gunners’ 4-2 victory over Leicester City, casting doubts on his availability for their Champions League clash against PSG and their Premier League fixture against Southampton.
As Mikel Arteta’s side continues to fight for success both domestically and in Europe, the potential absence of Calafiori could impact their plans.
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Riccardo Calafiori has quickly become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad since his summer move from Roma.
He has impressed in recent weeks, starting at left-back in Arsenal’s Premier League games against Manchester City and Leicester, as well as in central defense during their Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.
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However, Calafiori appeared to jar his knee after an aerial challenge with Leicester’s Odsonne Edouard, leaving him visibly distressed after the match. Reports suggest the defender was “in tears” following the game, adding to concerns over the severity of the injury.
The Italian’s versatility and solid defensive performances have provided Arteta with crucial options, especially given the absence of other key defenders like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Both Zinchenko and Tomiyasu are sidelined until after the international break, leaving Arsenal short on left-back options.
The potential absence of Calafiori is a significant concern for Mikel Arteta, particularly ahead of the Champions League clash against PSG.
Arsenal are already dealing with injuries in their defensive ranks, and losing another key player at such a crucial point in the season could impact the Gunners’ momentum.
Arsenal may be forced to turn to Jakub Kiwior to fill the left-back role if Calafiori is unavailable. Kiwior, who stepped in for a few games last season, could be called upon to deliver against one of Europe’s elite sides. Another option is Myles Lewis-Skelly, a talented teenager who played at left-back in the Carabao Cup match against Bolton. However, Lewis-Skelly is a midfielder by trade, and throwing him into the deep end against a team like PSG could be a risk Arteta is reluctant to take.
Despite their injury concerns, Arsenal’s recent form in the Premier League has been promising. The Gunners capitalized on Manchester City’s draw against Newcastle United, moving level on points with the reigning champions. Liverpool currently sit atop the table, holding a narrow one-point lead.
Arsenal’s 4-2 win against Leicester highlighted both their attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities. The Gunners raced to a 2-0 lead but allowed Leicester to claw their way back before eventually sealing the victory with two more goals. Arsenal will need to tighten their defense ahead of the upcoming matches against PSG and Southampton, particularly if Calafiori is unavailable.
Best Betting Prediction for Arsenal vs PSG
Given the current injury situation and Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities, the best betting prediction for Arsenal’s Champions League match against PSG is to expect a high-scoring affair. PSG’s attack, led by stars like Kylian Mbappe, will likely capitalize on any weaknesses in Arsenal’s defense. Bettors may want to consider backing both teams to score and potentially betting on over 2.5 goals in the match.
Another key factor to consider is PSG’s recent form, which has been strong in both domestic and European competitions. Arsenal’s injury concerns and PSG’s firepower make it likely that the French side will score at least once. However, Arsenal’s own attacking strength, including players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, means they are also capable of finding the back of the net.
Premier League Clash with Southampton
Following the PSG fixture, Arsenal will face Southampton in the Premier League on October 5th. The Gunners will be looking to continue their strong domestic form, and even with potential injuries, they are heavy favorites against a struggling Southampton side.
Southampton, who have not had a great start to their Premier League campaign, will face a daunting task at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal’s attacking prowess should be enough to secure all three points, even if their defensive setup is slightly weakened. For the best betting prediction on this match, bettors might consider a comfortable Arsenal win, with the possibility of a clean sheet depending on Calafiori’s availability.
