Arsenal’s Calafiori misses Italy call-up after hip injury

Riccardo Calafiori will miss Italy national football team’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Moldova national football team after picking up a hip injury and his club, Arsenal F.C. had asked for him to stay back in London.

Arsenal Left-Back Calafiori Sidelined For Italy Fixture After Hip Issue

Arsenal reportedly informed Italy’s federation ahead of the international window that Calafiori was carrying a hip issue from their recent game against Sunderland A.F.C.

They preferred him to rest and recover instead of travelling. However, the Italy staff insisted on his arrival for evaluation.

Once he reached camp he was examined and deemed unfit to participate in the Moldova fixture.

Calafiori has become one of Arsenal’s standout performers, especially at left-back, bringing both defensive solidity and attacking width.

His form has earned recognition in the Italy setup as well. That makes his absence for a key qualifier a significant blow for both sides.

While the hip problem is not believed to be career-threatening, it is serious enough to prevent safe participation in the immediate fixture. The decision to sideline him reflects a cautious approach by club and country alike.

Arsenal will now closely monitor his recovery so that he can return to full readiness for club action and future internationals.

Calafiori’s absence from Italy’s upcoming match underscores the tension that can arise between club priorities and national team demands.

In this case, Arsenal’s concerns were overridden, and the player travelled despite their preference only to be ruled out.

It remains to be seen how soon he will return to full fitness, but both his club and country will be hoping for a swift recovery so that they can rely on one of their key defensive assets.