Arsenal star severely injured as Mikel Arteta rocked by nightmare damage disaster

Mikel Arteta’s injury crisis has continued with Riccardo Calafiori set to be on the sidelines for a prolonged period after suffering a nasty injury while on international duty

Arsenal could be without Riccardo Calafiori for a prolonged period.

The Italian FA, on Friday (March 21), confirmed he had suffered an injury to his left knee against Germany and he would return to the Gunners. Calafiori slipped on the turf at the San Siro – causing an awkward landing on his knee.

“Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests late this morning after sustaining an injury to his left knee during yesterday’s match against Germany, has been deemed unavailable for Sunday’s second leg and will return to his club,” the Italian FA said.

And Fabrizio Romano has now posted: “Riccardo Calafiori leaves Italy camp with immediate effect after knee injury suffered yesterday.

“Italy staff suggest Calafiori suffered knee collateral injury between grade one/two but final assessment will be made by Arsenal staff.”

Various sources suggest the injury could sideline the Italian for around three weeks.

This would mean he faces a race against time to be fit for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid early next month.

The first leg at the Emirates takes place on April 8, before Mikel Arteta’s men play at the Bernabeu eight days later. And Arteta will be hoping he will be with his full-back for at least one of the ties.

“The first thing is that you have to be at your best when it comes to that for the two games, for every minute,” Arteta said when he was asked how he would beat Real Madrid.

“Don’t give anything away, because they’re going to take it. And today, we’ve seen that with the two goals that we’ve conceded as well, so that’s a big learning.

“In the end, the game is going to be decided in the boxes, individual talent, individual performances is crucial, and then creating an unbelievable atmosphere when we have the opportunity to play at home, that is crucial.”