Riccardo Calafiori Faces 'Genuine Concern' Ahead of Liverpool Trip

Riccardo Calafiori is facing a race against time to be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday, with football.london reporting there is genuine concern the defender could miss the game.

The Italian was one of an array senior players absent from the squad for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town, also including Declan Rice and Noni Madueke. Speaking after the penalty shootout loss, Mikel Arteta confirmed that all three had been ruled out by fitness issues.

‘[Riccardo] Calafiori was out, Noni [Madueke] was out with an ankle and Declan [Rice] finished with a problem the other day [vs. Everton], that is why I had to susbtitute him.’ Arteta said.

While the exact nature of Calafiori’s problem has not been confirmed, the 24-year-old was seen holding his hip and gripping his side after a collision during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton, having come off the bench in the 68th minute. He now faces a battle to prove his fitness over the coming days.

There is better news regarding Rice and Madueke, with both expected to be available for Anfield, provided there are no further setbacks.

Rice’s situation had sparked concern earlier in the week. The midfielder was replaced in the final ten minute in the Everton victory and, despite being pictured in training on Monday, did not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London later that evening, where he finished 15th in the rankings. However, it now appears the problem is not serious enough to keep him out of the weekend’s clash.

Madueke’s return would also be a significant boost. With Bukayo Saka expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks and Max Dowman facing a three-match suspension, pending Arsenal’s appeal, the winger is one of Arteta’s few remaining natural options on either flank.

Should Calafiori miss out, Arteta does have cover in defence. Piero Hincapié completed his return from an ankle injury at Fleetwood, whilst Jurriën Timber also started, giving the Arsenal boss options at left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly could also drop back from midfield if required, having played there regularly in the past.

However, Arsenal remain without William Saliba, who has not featured this season due to a back problem, meaning their defensive depth continues to be tested.

The trip to Anfield is one of the biggest fixtures of the season so far. Arsenal sit level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, and a positive result on Merseyside would be the ideal response to Tuesday’s shock exit.