Riccardo Calafiori Doubt For Champions League Clash and Italian May Miss Rest Of 2025
Riccardo Calafiori is the latest Italian player to be dealt a fresh injury concern.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 08 December 2025
Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt for Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League tie as the Italian suffered an injury during the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.
Riccardo Calafiori Injury Update
The Arsenal defender was seen limping after Mikel Arteta’s side were narrowly defeated by Aston Villa on December 6th and Calafiori is set to be sidelined for the European clash against Club Brugge.
Emiliano Buendia scored in the 95th minute to secure all-three points for the Villains and cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to just two-points.
This defeat also saw Calafiori pick-up his fifth yellow card in the Premier League, meaning the Italian will be unavailable for the Gunners’ next league match – as Arsenal welcome Wolves.
An exact diagnosis over Calafiori’s injury has not been confirmed by the Gunners, however, multiple reports on social media claimed that the Italian was heavily limping after the defeat by Villa.
The 22-year-old has been one of the best players in England during the opening stages of this season, starting every match in the Premier League and playing a huge role in Arsenal’s strong defensive record.
Mikel Arteta’s side has conceded just nine goals in 15 league matches and only Roma have put in a better defensive display in Europe’s top five leagues.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have conceded eight goals in Serie A this season, but Roma’s lack of goals continues to be a hindrance – finding the back of the net on just 15 occasions.
Calafiori has also been a threat going forward, registering three goal involvements so far (1G + 2A) and the 23-year-old may be joined by another Italian goal-threat in 2026.
Arsenal Interested In Another Italian Star
Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Fiorentina star, Moise Kean, as Mikel Arteta has been underwhelmed by Viktor Gyokeres’ performances this season.
The Swedish striker moved to North London during the summer transfer window, signing from Sporting Lisbon for €65.8million after scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese side.
Gyokeres has scored just four goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season and the Gunners are considering a move for another striker next year.
Moise Kean was high on the Gunners’s wish-list during the recent summer window after scoring 19 goals in Serie A, but a move failed to materialize and Kean has struggled for Fiorentina this year.
The Gunners have also showed interest in Lautaro Martinez, but Arsenal are set to end their pursuit as Barcelona are preparing an offer for the Inter Milan star.
Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of Kean, despite the Italian scoring just two league goals this season and the Fiorentina striker will be available for €62m during the opening weeks of July.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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