Actual Madrid could have obtained an sudden benefit forward of their Champions League quarter-final conflict with Arsenal, as Gunners defender Riccardo Calafiori suffered a regarding knee damage throughout Italy’s Nations League quarter-final towards Germany.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who has been a key determine in Arsenal’s defensive setup, was compelled off the pitch at San Siro after experiencing discomfort in his left knee—the identical knee he suffered a extreme damage to seven years in the past.
What occurred to Calafiori?
Calafiori’s damage occurred when he slipped awkwardly whereas adjusting his place to problem for a free ball.
His left knee bent unnaturally, prompting fast ache. Though he initially tried to proceed, he was quickly compelled to depart the pitch, visibly distressed and protecting his face along with his shirt in frustration.
This damage will little doubt increase issues for Arsenal, as they put together to face Actual Madrid within the Champions League quarter-finals on April 8.
Given Calafiori’s significance to Mikel Arteta’s backline, his potential absence may considerably weaken the Gunners’ defensive choices.
He has a historical past
🚨Riccardo Calafiori tweaked his knee in the course of the sport and goes to be assessed tomorrow on if the damage is a severe one or not.
The Italian defender’s knee issues date again to 2018 when he suffered a catastrophic damage whereas enjoying for Roma’s youth staff within the UEFA Youth League.
Calafiori utterly tore all of the ligaments, meniscus, and joint capsule in his left knee, preserving him out of motion for almost a yr. Whereas he made a full restoration, accidents of such severity can usually result in long-term problems.
Now, with recent issues over the identical knee, the Italian nationwide staff’s medical employees will conduct additional checks to find out the extent of the injury.
Preliminary studies recommend he may miss the return leg in Germany, though the complete prognosis continues to be pending.
Talking in regards to the damage, Italy supervisor Luciano Spalletti remained cautious:“We don’t know but. He has a wierd feeling in his knee, however I can’t reply the query of what he feels.”
What this implies for Actual Madrid
With Arsenal dealing with an important Champions League tie towards Los Blancos, Calafiori’s potential absence may disrupt Arteta’s defensive plans.
For Actual Madrid, this could possibly be a welcomed increase, as they appear to use any defensive weaknesses of their pursuit of European glory.
With Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo main the assault, a depleted Arsenal defence may battle to comprise Madrid’s firepower.