Arsenal hit with huge Riccardo Calafiori injury blow as Italy make major decision on defender

Calafiori to miss Arsenal pre-season after picking up injury on international duty

Arsenal have been hit with a major injury blow after it was confirmed that defender Riccardo Calafiori will miss the club's pre-season campaign.

The 19-year-old left-back suffered a muscular problem while on international duty with Italy's Under-21 side.

Calafiori has been a regular for Arsenal's Under-23s in recent seasons and was expected to be part of Mikel Arteta's first-team squad for the upcoming campaign.

Italy make major decision on Calafiori

In a further blow to Arsenal, Italy have decided not to include Calafiori in their squad for the upcoming European Under-21 Championship.

The decision was made after Calafiori's injury was assessed by the Italian medical staff.

It is a major disappointment for Calafiori, who has been in impressive form for Arsenal's Under-23s this season.

Calafiori's injury a major blow for Arsenal

Calafiori's injury is a major blow for Arsenal, who are already short of options at left-back.

Kieran Tierney is the club's first-choice left-back, but the Scotland international has been struggling with injuries in recent months.

Sead Kolasinac is another option for Arteta, but the Bosnia and Herzegovina international is expected to leave the club this summer.

Calafiori's absence will give youngster Joel Lopez the chance to impress Arteta in pre-season.

Arsenal hopeful Calafiori will be fit for the start of the season

Arsenal are hopeful that Calafiori will be fit for the start of the new season.

The club's medical staff are working hard to get the defender back to full fitness as soon as possible.

Calafiori's injury is a reminder of the importance of squad depth.