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Arsenal have been without Riccardo Calafiori for the last two Premier League games and the Italian has taken to social media over the New Year.
Matty Hewitt Football Writer 08:02, 01 Jan 2026
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has broken his silence on social media as Mikel Arteta awaits news on the defender's injury after missing the Gunners' 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
The Italian shared a couple of wordless Instagram stories celebrating the New Year with friends.
The 23-year-old has been one of the mainstays in Arteta's defensive unit since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, but the nature of his injury remains unclear.
Calafiori was named in the matchday squad to face Brighton but had to withdraw from the starting line-up shortly before kick-off.
The left-back had picked up an injury in training which Arteta described as "very awkward", with Myles Lewis-Skelly taking Calafiori's spot in the starting XI.
The Italian was also unsurprisingly absent from the following win over Aston Villa as he recovers from the injury setback and it's unclear whether he'll be back available for selection against Bournemouth.
Speaking about Calafiori's injury, Arteta said: "There's something with Richy as well, very, very strange.
"It's something that he felt yesterday, it's something very awkward that happened and today in the warm-up, he wasn't comfortable."
His setback was another blow for the Gunners head coach who has been without Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera over the festive period.
Fortunately for Arteta, Gabriel was able to return to action in the win over Aston Villa, scoring the opening goal before they romped to a 4-1 win.
The Brazilian scored his 17th goal from a corner after Emi Martinez flapped at Bukayo Saka's corner delivery, with Arteta full of praise for the defender.
He said: "He comes back from an injury in six weeks that probably should have been a bit longer, he plays against the team that is probably the hardest to control ... And he impacts the game in an incredible way, both defending and in the opposition box."
Declan Rice was another absentee for Arsenal for the win over Unai Emery's men, and Arteta is hopeful he'll return to action soon.
"The swelling (in his knee) has to come right down for him to have the chance to function," Arteta said.
"He's improving, but let's see what happens in the next couple of days."
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