Arsenal star suffers freak injury in Nations League game, taken off in second half

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori picked up a freak injury during Italy’s Nations League opener against France on Friday night.

The Gunners ace started on the left side of the back three for the Azzurri and he produced an assured performance under his substitution.

The 22-year-old suffered a freak injury after Ousmane Dembele accidentally kicked the back of his right knee. Calafiori was instantly in pain.

He managed to continue playing after the incident, but could not carry on for long. He was substituted in the 71st minute of the encounter.

The centre-back was spotted limping on the touchline and it remains to be seen whether he has picked up a serious injury or just a knock.

Arsenal will be anxiously waiting for the full assessment. The club can ill-afford to lose another big summer signing with an injury setback.

They are already without midfielder Mikel Merino until late October. The Spaniard fractured his shoulder during his first training session.

Hopefully, we will receive good news from Italy manager Luciano Spalletti in the post-match press conference in Paris later tonight.

The Gunners face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League after the international break.

We have predicted Calafiori to start from left-back with Jurrien Timber in midfield in the absence of Declan Rice due to suspension.

The Italian has been impressive in his first two appearances off the bench. He has looked assured with his ground challenges in particular.