Report: Arsenal handed key injury boost that has been met with relief all round

Arsenal have been sweating over the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori in wake of their 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

The Gunners defender went down with a suspected knee injury in the 66th minute of Tuesday night’s game, which prompted the club doctors to examine him.

And though Calafiori briefly returned to the fold, the Arsenal summer signing then gestured at Mikel Arteta to take him off, with Myles Lewis-Skelly taking his place.

Arteta said after the game, as per The Mirror: “He had to come off because he felt something. I don’t know the extent of it, so in that sense it’s not great news.”

The same outlet also provided an update on Calafiori’s fitness and when he is expected to be back in action.

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori expected to be out for ‘several weeks’

The Mirror cited sources close to Calafiori as saying he is expected to be out for ‘several weeks’ with small damage to his medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Crucially, the Italy international is thought to have avoided serious injury.

Sources claimed there is a sense of relief amongst all parties as there had been fears he could have been facing a lengthy layoff.

READ MORE: Paul Merson ‘disappointed’ with what £190k-a-week Arsenal player has done ahead of Liverpool clash

Arsenal have mounting personnel problems ahead of Liverpool clash

Arsenal face going into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool without numerous key players.

The Gunners are already without Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney through injury, while Jurrien Timber is also a doubt.

Bukayo Saka is also said to be unlikely to be involved against the Reds and, if the above report is correct, Calafiori will also miss out.

In addition, William Saliba is suspended for the clash against Liverpool after his sending-off against Bournemouth at the weekend.

Arsenal may be hanging in there – for the most part – in terms of results, but their personnel situation is becoming concerning.