(4-4-2)/(4-3-3): Havertz and Jesus out- Arsenal lineups against Nottingham Forest as Arteta promotes a striker from academy- Asked Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to leave in January
Arsenal fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as reports confirm that Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return after the current international break.
The Italian full-back, who has been sidelined for several weeks following a knee injury sustained against Shakhtar Donetsk on 22 October, is now returning to training ahead of a full return to action according to a line at the end of a report about Ben White’s surgery.
Calafiori’s injury, sustained in an awkward fall in the 72nd minute of the Champions League match, initially sparked concerns of a severe ligament issue, including potential meniscus or medial lateral collateral ligament damage.
However, subsequent assessments revealed the injury was less severe, involving only the medial collateral ligament, and he has now progressed well enough to be on the verge of returning.
His imminent return is a boost for Mikel Arteta’s squad, which has sorely missed his presence during matches against Liverpool, Preston, Newcastle, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.
Alongside Calafiori, Arsenal also anticipate the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu after the international break, providing much-needed reinforcements to a backline that has been stretched thin in recent weeks.
Tomiyasu had been out due to an unspecified injury suffered in training during the October international break, and his return alongside Calafiori offers hope for greater defensive stability moving forward.
Ben White, however, will be sidelined for at least six weeks following minor knee surgery. White, who had been managing knee discomfort for some time, underwent the procedure during the current international break.
His absence will likely extend through to the end of the year, leaving Arteta with limited options at right-back once again.
Arsenal‘s recent run of matches has been marred by injuries across the squad, with key players including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka also withdrawing from international duty.
Both players sustained injuries during Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw against Chelsea, with Rice dealing with a broken toe before the game and Saka suffering shin bruising after a poor challenge from Mark Cucurella.
Martin Ødegaard‘s absence due to a two-month injury layoff further compounded the difficulties Arsenal have faced. His return is perhaps the most welcome of all.
While the news of Calafiori’s imminent return is a positive development, Arsenal‘s list of injured players remains long, including Ben White, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Kieran Tierney.
With Nottingham Forest next on the agenda, Arsenal are hopeful that the returning Calafiori and Tomiyasu can step up and help steady the ship as they look to improve their form amidst a challenging injury-riddled season.
