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Arsenal has received an injury blow with news that Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from the Italy squad ahead of its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Norway due to injury.
The defender has established himself as an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans and has started all 11 Premier League matches this season. The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes last week as the Gunners dropped points against Sunderland, and his place in the team will be seen as vital ahead of matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Chelsea immediately after the international break.
Arsenal is currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League table and is eight points ahead of Liverpool, with the team’s excellent start based on an exemplary defensive record. The Gunners have conceded just five goals in 11 league matches this term.
That’s why Arteta will be so concerned about the Calafiori update. The former Bologna man met up with the Italy squad earlier this week but had complained of a hip problem and trained alone.
Calafiori did not feature in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Moldova, and Gattuso confirmed ahead of the concluding match of Group I on Sunday that the Arsenal man will not be involved.
“Riccardo joined the national team with a physical problem,” said the Italian head coach.
“He showed dedication to the shirt and we tried to make him grit his teeth, but we couldn't force it.
“Alessandro Buongiorno, Gianluca Mancini and others are there for that position."
“[Sandro] Tonali also won't be playing in the match, but due to a booking rather than an injury,” he added. “We are not taking any risks. He'll be at the stadium, just like Calafiori.”
While Calafiori’s absence is a blow for Italy, the four-time world champions have little on the line heading into Sunday’s game.
Norway travels to Milan knowing it mathematically needs a point to secure top spot ahead of second-place Italy. The Scandinavians have won all seven group matches so far and is three points ahead of Italy in the table.
With Norway’s goal difference 17 better than the Azzurri's, Erling Haaland’s side has all but secured qualification to next summer’s World Cup.
In fact, Italy would need to win by nine goals in order to top the group ahead of Norway.
It means a playoff place is in the offing for Gattusso’s side, with the prospect of a third World Cup in a row without the Italians now a real possibility.
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