Riccardo Calafiori has endured a number of separate injury setbacks since moving to north London, but says his physical condition has now reached a very different place.
Riccardo Calafiori says he is enjoying one of the best physical periods of his career after a succession of injuries interrupted his first two seasons with Arsenal.
The defender joined Arsenal from Bologna for £40 million in the summer of 2024 and quickly became a popular figure, although building a sustained run in the side proved difficult because of repeated knee and muscle problems.
He missed 44 games through injury for club and country in his first two seasons in England.
Speaking before Italy beat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday night, Calafiori reflected on how far he has come and the responsibility he now feels with the national team.
“In fact, I begin to feel old,” he said, “but it is a bit early to define myself as a leader, because I have not yet collected many appearances [18 caps].
“If anything, in every game I try to drag the team with deeds, with actions more than with words. I believe this is my responsibility, also because I am living one of the best periods ever from a physical point of view”.
It is an encouraging statement given the interruptions Calafiori has had to deal with since moving to north London.
His debut season included a calf problem in September 2024, knee injuries later that year, a muscle problem in January and another knee injury between March and May which kept him out for about six-and-a-half weeks.
Calafiori finished his first campaign with just 19 Premier League appearances.
There were further problems in 2025/26.
A hip issue in November was followed by a muscle injury spanning late December and much of January, before a knock in April kept him out for about three weeks.
Even so, Calafiori increased his league involvement to 26 appearances that season.
His most recent issue has been much less serious. Rib discomfort against Everton in October caused him to miss the League Cup defeat by Fleetwood, but he returned to training and went straight back into the side.
The start against Hull was his ninth in the league this season out of 10 available.
Calafiori also started for Italy and played the full 90 as they defeated an Arsenal-less France.
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