Arteta confirms Calafiori 'issue' after late position swap vs Everton
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori may have picked up a minor injury in the closing stages of Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League win over Everton, which explained the defender's unusual late switch to left wing.
Calafiori finished the match out of position after Noni Madueke dropped back to left back in his place. Asked directly about the swap in his post match press conference, Arteta said: “Yeah I wasn't that mad to change those two from their positions. It was because he had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it.”
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The comments suggest the issue is not considered serious at this stage, with Arteta stressing it was precautionary rather than a confirmed injury. Arsenal will hope to have further clarity on Calafiori's fitness before the club's next fixture.
Gabriel plays through pain to score
Arteta also addressed a scare involving Gabriel, who appeared to hurt himself during the game before continuing and eventually getting on the scoresheet. “He's a clear example, when I'm talking about the mentality of the team, obviously the mentality of the team is the mentality of the individuals in the team,” Arteta said. “We were all scared. Not because of the way he went down, but the reaction of the players that were next to him. Immediately he says that he wants to continue and then he scores a goal to help us win the game. That's what we need from our players.”
Gabriel's goal came alongside a maiden strike for Ezri Konsa, with Arteta praising how smoothly the summer signing has integrated into the side. “He's gone to a huge club like Arsenal with no pre-season when Saliba is here, with other players that are already here,” Arteta said. “To position yourself in that manner, with that naturality I would say, and performing at the level that he's doing and building already a chemistry and a balance with Gabi that seems so solid, it's very, very difficult to do and we are really lucky to have him.”
Saliba still sidelined
Arteta confirmed William Saliba remains unavailable, underlining the role Konsa and Gabriel have played in covering his absence. “William is not fit and we are desperate to have him back because we know what he offers,” Arteta said. “We are really lucky to have that and I'm sure when Mosquera plays that he will be the same because they have something special those boys.”
Arsenal also had to cope without Bukayo Saka and Christos Mavropanos for the Everton win, though Madueke's display on the right impressed Arteta, who praised his growing versatility across the forward line.
Arsenal will continue to monitor Calafiori's fitness in the coming days, with the club keen to avoid losing another defensive option while Saliba continues his recovery, as reported by football.london.
