Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he may be one challenge to keep fit Riccardo Calafiori as he has shown a lot of desire to play since his time at the Emirates Stadium.
The Italy international has impressed for the Gunners since his summer move from Bologna, although he has suffered repeated knocks that have seen him constantly in and out of the team.
Arsenal fans will no doubt be frustrated that Calafiori hasn’t been able to play more and make more of an impact, but it seems Arteta is still learning how to manage him.
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The Spanish tactician joked that he has to keep Calafiori in a cage to protect him from injury, with the 22-year-old clearly keen to take part in training and help out on the pitch as much as possible.
In a press conference, as quoted by MetroArteta gave an update on Arsenal’s injuries and explained his challenge to prevent Calafiori from further fitness problems, with injuries to other players also meaning he has had to be brought back on at times .
Mikel Arteta on Riccardo Calafiori
“We need a cage there because he wants to come out, train and play. We have to calm him down because he is very willing,” Arteta said.
“It’s the way he is, the way he plays. He started with the selection with a kick, then he had a problem with his knee.
“After that he missed a lot. Because of the injuries he had to play more than we wanted. And then he had the groin problem.”
Arsenal will certainly hope to have it Calafiori and others return for tonight’s Champions League game against Monacowith Arteta having to introduce Jurrien Timber out of position at left-back in the draw against Fulham at the weekend.
