Following their absence from the Bayer Leverkusen game, Arsenal defenders Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have been updated on their injuries by Mikel Arteta.
The reason behind Riccardo Calafiori’s absence from Arsenal’s preseason victory over Bayer Leverkusen has been explained by manager Mikel Arteta, who said that the team is “slowly” integrating the defender into the lineup.
After weeks of rumors, Calafiori finally signed a contract with Arsenal last month for €50 million (£42.1 million), leaving Serie A club Bologna. After David Raya’s permanent transfer from Brentford, the Italy international—who made an impression at the European Championship this summer—became Arsenal’s second addition of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old Calafiori’s versatility as a left- and center-back played a major role in Arsenal’s pursuit, according to Arteta. Calafiori has not yet played for Arsenal despite the excitement surrounding his arrival; he was not present for the recent friendly against Liverpool or the game against Leverkusen.
In the Emirates Cup match, Arsenal won 4-1 thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus. Granit Xhaka made his first visit back to north London since his departure during the game.
Jurrien Timber was also absent from the game because of a foot problem. Speaking at the conference after the game, Arteta stressed the need for caution with Timber’s comeback. “Jurrien experienced some foot discomfort in the past few days,” Arteta stated. “Obviously, we didn’t want to take any chances with him given how long he’s been out.”
Arteta addressed Calafiori’s predicament and said, “So much has happened to him in one week.” He’s entered a brand-new setting, received entirely new instruction, and is under our management. In order to get him in the best possible shape, we want to go slowly, so hopefully on Sunday he will be ready to play a few minutes.
Jurrien Timber was also absent from the game because of a foot problem. Speaking at the conference after the game, Arteta stressed the need for caution with Timber’s comeback. “Jurrien experienced some foot discomfort in the past few days,” Arteta stated. “Obviously, we didn’t want to take any chances with him given how long he’s been out.”
Arteta addressed Calafiori’s predicament and said, “So much has happened to him in one week.” He’s entered a brand-new setting, received entirely new instruction, and is under our management. In order to get him in the best possible shape, we want to go slowly, so hopefully on Sunday he will be ready to play a few minutes.
Arteta also talked about Eddie Nketiah’s future, as he has been connected to a move to Marseille. According to French reports, Arsenal may reduce the striker’s original asking price, which would allow for a summer transfer.
With every player, the circumstances are the same. Everyone desires to play and be given opportunities, according to Arteta. “I have to provide those opportunities, and it is the same [with Nketiah]; they have to earn it.”
