Mikel Arteta provides Riccardo Calafiori fitness update ahead of Arsenal's clash against Liverpool

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on Riccardo Calafiori ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool. The two sides will face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, October 27.

Calafiori started in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at home in the UEFA Champions League on October 22. However, he appeared to have twisted his ankle at around the 70-minute mark and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly. Hence, his potential participation in the clash against Liverpool is under doubt.

In a pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said about the Italian defender (via afcstuff on X):

“He needs some more tests. Yesterday he had some, today he’s going to have some more. From there, we will know, because last time as well, we thought it [his injury] was really bad & he ended up playing two days after. Let’s see.”

Arsenal signed Calafiori from Bologna for a reported fee of €45 million in the summer. He's made 10 appearances for them so far and also scored a goal.

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Mikel Arteta provides update on 2 Arsenal stars ahead of Liverpool clash

The Gunners are dealing with a bit of an injury issue at the moment. Calafiori appears likely to be out of the clash against Liverpool and they are also sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

Saka suffered a hamstring injury with England during the international break earlier this month and has missed the last two games for Arsenal. About him, Mikel Arteta said (via afcstuff):

“He’s done a bit of training on the grass. How far we can get him until Sunday, that is a different question. We have another day which is a good thing. We will see.”

Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber has been out of action since October 1 and has only recently returned to training. Providing an update on the Dutchman's fitness, Arteta said:

“It’s the first session that he could have some involvement. He’s been out for a while. We expected him to be closer from where he is at the moment, but again, we have to wait & see.”

With William Saliba suspended, Arsenal will have to find different solutions if Timber and Calafiori don't return against Liverpool. They could play a back four of Thomas Partey, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jakub Kiwior.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is expected to replace Saka if the latter isn't fit to start against Liverpool.