Arteta confirms 'slight issue' for Calafiori after Everton win

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Riccardo Calafiori picked up a “slight issue” during the closing stages of Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton, a problem that forced Noni Madueke into an unfamiliar role at left back as the Gunners saw out the victory.

The win moved Arsenal level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Calafiori had started every league match this season but was named among the substitutes at the Emirates, with Myles Lewis-Skelly coming into the side at left back instead.

The Italian was brought on in the second half, though his cameo was far from straightforward. Eight minutes of stoppage time were played, and for much of that spell Calafiori was stationed further forward while Madueke dropped back into defence. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel were seen directing Madueke from midfield as he adapted to the role under pressure in the closing minutes.

Calafiori went straight down the tunnel at full time, and Arteta addressed the situation afterwards.

“Yeah I wasn't that mad to change those two from their positions,” Arteta said. “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.”

Madueke impresses further forward

Before the late defensive switch, Madueke had caught the eye further up the pitch. He started on the right wing as Arteta continues to search for solutions in Bukayo Saka's absence through a quad injury, and looked lively in the final third throughout.

He later swapped flanks when Max Dowman was introduced late on. Arteta made clear just how important that kind of versatility has become given Arsenal's current situation out wide.

“Very impressed and to have that variability with him is really necessary,” Arteta said. “Especially because we lost Bukayo and Christos [Tzolis] and that's the two players that give us so much threat in the final third.”

The Arsenal boss also pointed to areas where Madueke can still improve. “But I like him and if he continues to transform his mentality, his will, his capacity to be more consistent in actions, he's an unbelievable player.”

What's next

With Saka and Tzolis both sidelined, Madueke's adaptability in attack has become a useful option for Arteta, even if end product remains a work in progress. The Calafiori issue, described by Arteta as minor, will be one to monitor over the coming days as the club assesses whether it affects his availability for Arsenal's next fixture.

Quotes via the Evening Standard.