Riccardo Calafiori
ARS
Left Back
Overlapping Full Back
May 19, 2002 (24)
Left
6'2"
190 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
2026/2027 Premier League
Overall Grades by game
2026/2027 Premier League
Upcoming matches
News
Doubtful for Liverpool clash
Calafiori (ribs) is doubtful for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool after experiencing minor discomfort during Saturday's 2-0 victory against Everton, with his availability for Tuesday's Carabao Cup encounter against Fleetwood Town also uncertain, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per The Standard. "Yeah, I wasn't that mad to change those two from their positions. It was because he had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it."
Analysis: Calafiori is dealing with a minor physical issue after experiencing discomfort during the closing stages of Saturday's victory against Everton. The Italian defender was initially rested following his 90-minute appearance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League but entered as a second-half substitute before experiencing a problem that forced him to move into an attacking position, with Noni Madueke dropping into defense. Calafiori subsequently headed straight down the tunnel at full-time, although coach Mikel Arteta suggested the issue was relatively minor and that the defender had acted cautiously. Having started Arsenal's first seven Premier League matches this season, Calafiori remains the preferred option at left-back, making his fitness an important consideration ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool. He could be rested for Tuesday's Carabao Cup fixture against Fleetwood Town regardless of his recovery progress, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapie available as alternatives. His participation against Liverpool will depend on further assessments and how he responds over the coming days.
Picks up late issue vs. Everton
Calafiori suffered an apparent rib injury late in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton and went straight down the tunnel at full-time, according to manager Mikel Arteta, per Alex Howell. "He had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it."
Analysis: Calafiori is a doubt after picking up a problem late in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton, which forced him to move up front for the final minutes of the game while Noni Madueke filled in at left-back. He went straight down the tunnel at full-time, though Mikel Arteta said the issue seemed very small. Calafiori had started every league match this season before Myles Lewis-Skelly was preferred on Saturday, and Lewis-Skelly would be an option at left-back alongside the returning Piero Hincapie if Calafiori misses any games.
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