Riccardo Calafiori Injury Update Sends Alarm Bells Around Arsenal and Azzurri Camp

Riccardo Calafiori has missed multiple weeks through injury and is now at risk of missing Italy’s World Cup playoff clash against Northern Ireland.

Riccardo Calafiori Injury Update

The Italian defender was expected to return from injury during the opening week of 2026, but Calafiori’s spell on the sidelines could be extended even further.

Calafiori suffered a reported groin strain during the warm-up before Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27th and the defender has now missed seven matches (all competitions).

Mikel Arteta’s latest comments over Calafiori’s injury status came before Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final and the Gunners boss revealed that there is no specific return date.

Arteta said: “He’s progressing but we don’t know. A few weeks probably but we don’t know exactly yet.”

Arsenal have not panicked during the January transfer window despite their recent injury concerns and have not shown any interest in possible additions.

The Gunners’ rivals Tottenham have been linked with Pierre Kalulu as the Juventus star attracts Premier League interest and some Arsenal supporters are hoping to see some activity before the window closes.

Arteta’s side head to Calafiori’s home nation on January 20th, as the Gunners face Inter Milan in the Champions League group stages.

Arsenal can secure automatic qualification into the Ro16 with a win at San Siro and Calafiori has been ruled out of the European clash.

The 23-year-old’s situation has not only caused concern in North London, but also in Gennaro Gattuso’s mind as the Azzurri manager begins preparation for the World Cup qualification play-off against Northern Ireland on March 26th.

Gattuso Concerned Over Azzurri Injuries

The Italian national team will welcome Northern Ireland to Bergamo towards the end of March, as the Azzurri look to take another step to World Cup qualification.

Italy will need to secure a victory over Northern Ireland and then another triumph against Bosnia and Herzegovina or Wales to secure a place in the United States this summer.

Preparation for the match against Northern Ireland has been far from ideal, as the FIGC turned down the Azzurri’s request to hold an early training camp.

This caused Gianluigi Buffon to slam the Italian soccer authorities and Italy’s situation has suffered further blows due to recent injury concerns.

Calafiori has not played a single minute of competitive soccer since December 23rd, Moise Kean missed Fiorentina’s 2-1 victory over Bologna on January 18th through injury and Destiny Udogie has not featured for Tottenham since December 2nd.

Other injury concerns include Raoul Bellanova and Nicolo Rovella, leaving Gattuso with a possible headache ahead of March 26th.