Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he can be a challenge to keep Riccardo Calafiori fit as he has shown so much willingness to play since moving to 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 meant he has been constantly in and out of the team.
Arsenal fans will no doubt be disappointed that Calafiori hasn’t been able to play more and make a bigger impact, but it seems Arteta is still learning how to manage him.
Arsenal rivals Newcastle for the transfer of the Serie A sensation!
The Spanish tactician joked that he has to keep Calafiori in a cage to protect him from injury, with the 22-year-old clearly very keen to take part in training and help out as much as possible on the pitch.
Speaking at a press conference, as reported by MeasureArteta gave an update on Arsenal’s injury woes and explained his challenge to prevent Calafiori suffering more fitness problems, with injuries to other players also meaning he had to rush back in at times.
Mikel Arteta to Riccardo Calafiori
“We need a cage there because he wants to go out and train and play. We have to calm him down because he is so eager,” Arteta said.
“It is as it is, as it plays. He started with the national team with kicks, then he had a knee problem.
“After that he lost a lot of things. Due to injuries he had to play more than we wanted. And then he took the matter in his groin.”
Arsenal will no doubt be hoping he has Calafiori and others return for tonight’s Champions League clash with Monacowith Arteta having to move Jurrien Timber out of position at left-back in the draw against Fulham at the weekend.
