Arsenal hit by Riccardo Califiori blow pre-Tottenham as new footage drops

Arsenal have been handed an injury scare ahead of the North London derby after Riccardo Califiori had to be replaced in Italy’s latest Nations League game against France.

The 22-year-old was involved in a freak accident when Ousmane Dembele caught the back of his knee after he landed following a tackle by Alessandro Bastoni.

The Arsenal defender wasn’t aware of the situation until the Frenchman came crashing down on him.

The centre-back was unable to continue in the game and the latest footage shows him hobbling off the pitch in the 71st minute.

The situation will cause some concern for Mikel Arteta as he looks to prepare his team to face Tottenham on 15 September.

Italy also have one more fixture during this international break as they will face Israel on Monday (7 September) night.

Arsenal will want Riccardo Calafiori to be fit to face Spurs

Arsenal signed Calafiori in the summer transfer window for £42million from Bologna, and Arteta has been bedding him into the squad ever since.

Calafiori has made two appearances in the Premier League this season, both of which have come from the bench.

However, Arteta will want the defender as an option for when club football returns after the international break.

The Gunners will also be without Declan Rice and Mikel Merino against Tottenham due to suspension and injury.

Arsenal have made an undefeated start to the season, but do trail league leaders Man City by two points.

In other news, Leeds ‘guaranteed’ to agree top January signing – pundit.

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