Arsenal‘s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, who was reportedly facing a race against time to be fit for Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League match after suffering an injury in their 3-1 victory over France, has now been sent back to London.

The 22-year-old was forced off in the 71st minute following a collision with French winger Ousmane Dembele.

Italy's defender #03 Federico Dimarco (C) gestures as Italy's defender #05 Riccardo Calafiori lies on the football pitch during the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Italy’s defender #03 Federico Dimarco (C) gestures as Italy’s defender #05 Riccardo Calafiori lies on the football pitch during the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Calafiori, who was praised by the Italian media for his impressive performance before the injury, was taken off as a ‘precaution’ after feeling discomfort in his right calf after Dembele landed on him.

According to Corriere dello Sport on Sunday, the Italian national team subjected Calafiori to an MRI scan, and, although no official communication had been made, initial reports suggested the injury was not serious, even though he was reportedly on crutches as per the article in the screenshot below.

Exams for Calafiori, Kean holder Corriere dello Sport8 Sep 2024 SENT TO BUDAPEST-The alarm for Lorenzo Pellegrini was added to the ko of Riccardo Calafiori, forced to leave the Parco dei Principi for a cleat of Dembele on the right thigh. Instead, the muscular problem for the captain of Roma had escaped, replaced in the interval by Spalletti. Italy yesterday morning left Paris and landed in Hungary around lunchtime: at 18 training in the small stadium named after Hidegkuti, legend of Magyar football, where Mtk Budapest plays. In the same moments Pellegrini and Calafiori were subjected by the blue staff to a control magnetic resonance imaging. No official communication, it should not be anything serious, but in the case of Lorenzo every time there are muscle troubles prudence is a must. There is a thread of anxiety in Trigoria. The doctors of Roma will check him on his return to assess his condition towards the trip to Marassi with Genoa. His employment with Israel in the Nations tomorrow night can be ruled out. HOW MANY CHANGES? In a blue key, the main doubt concerns Calafiori. The e difensore defender of Bologna helped himself with crutches, but he was quiet when he left the Parco dei Principi. He expected to make it. Spalletti today will make all the assessments related to his recovery: he had started with the idea of entangling sticks in a single game (satisfying Inter) and launch Good Morning, but upsetting the entire defense in such a delicate game is not the best. In front it is possible to predict the entrance of Kean with Raspadori in support and Zaccagni ready for the relay. There is spare on the bands. Bellanova and Udogie hope to enter the block of holders. In between Curls and Tonal could be confirmed. Beans is candida. The Italy of the Parco dei Principi would deserve the encore, but it is played after three days and some news will be calculated.
Corriere dello Sport 8 Sep 2024

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti provided an update following the match, stating: “Calafiori needs to be evaluated, but with our good doctors, there is a chance he can recover.”

Despite the injury scare, CdS reported that the defender remained optimistic, leaving the stadium on crutches but in good spirits.

However, a final decision on his availability was to be be made after further assessment. “He is expected to make it,” they added.

That story has now changed.

Now, it is reported that Calafiori has been sent back to Arsenal with Italy not wanting to take any chances on the injury.

The injury came after Calafiori’s standout performance at the Parc des Princes, where his ability to switch between defensive and attacking roles was crucial to Italy’s success.

La Gazzetta dello Sport hailed him as “among the best in Paris,” praising his ability to seamlessly integrate into Italy’s midfield rotation while maintaining his defensive duties as a left-sided centre-back.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 06: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 06: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The outlet described his performance as a “perfect snapshot” of Italy’s dynamic midfield, reminiscent of the systems used during Cesare Prandelli’s era.

His absence would be a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s side, given the current injury situation within the squad.

Since joining Arsenal from Bologna this summer, the 22-year-old has shown why he was such a sought-after player during the transfer window.