Calafiori Gets Cautious Fitness Boost After Hip Injury

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has received a cautious fitness boost after sustaining a hip injury while on international duty with Italy, easing concerns ahead of the team's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur later this month.

The 23-year-old Italy international, who has started every Premier League match for the league-leading Gunners this season, trained separately from his teammates on Wednesday ahead of Italy's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Thursday. Reports indicate the issue is being managed with precaution, and Calafiori has been included in the traveling squad for the Group I fixture in Chisinau. However, he is not expected to feature, with national team coach Gennaro Gattuso planning significant rotations for the match.

Gattuso, speaking at a prematch news conference, praised Calafiori's professionalism and versatility. "I have to thank the likes of Nicolo Barella, Calafiori and Alessandro Bastoni for being here, as it was by no means to be taken for granted," he said. "I congratulate the lads for their professionalism and hunger, which they show every day." The coach added that he anticipates no major issues from the changes, stating, "I...