Calafiori limps off in Arsenal's win over Everton as Arteta plays down injury concern

Riccardo Calafiori raised fresh injury concerns at Arsenal after struggling through the closing stages of their Premier League win over Everton, with manager Mikel Arteta describing the problem as seemingly small but unconfirmed.

The Italian defender had been on the pitch for roughly 30 minutes when he began showing signs of discomfort. Arteta responded by shifting Noni Madueke to left-back and pushing Calafiori out to the wing, before the 22-year-old headed straight down the tunnel at the final whistle.

“It was because he had a slight issue,” Arteta explained. “We don’t know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it.”

Arteta’s measured tone offers some reassurance. Calafiori did take a heavy collision to the ribs before the discomfort became apparent, suggesting a muscular injury may not be the cause. The manager had also spoken positively about the defender’s availability heading into the match, noting that Calafiori had enjoyed a full pre-season and been available for every fixture.

Arsenal were also briefly anxious about centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who appeared to jar his knee and was seen clutching his groin and hamstring area while receiving medical attention. The Brazilian played on, and Arteta confirmed he came through without serious issue. “We all thought he would have to come off by the reaction of his team-mates. It was a really worrying action. We know Gabi and how tough and strong he is — and he seems to be OK.”

On the pitch, Arsenal were largely comfortable. Ezri Konsa broke the deadlock, tapping in from close range after a corner caused chaos in the Everton box. Gabriel then doubled the advantage, heading home a precise cross from Ben White to the back post.

Myles Lewis-Skelly started ahead of Calafiori despite Arteta hinting the Italian could feature from the off, while Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes came into the starting line-up in place of Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres — the latter having assisted Declan Rice’s goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League from the bench.

Arsenal face a demanding run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including Premier League matches against Liverpool and Hull City, a Champions League trip to Slavia Prague, and a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Fleetwood Town.