Arsenal's injuries are back! Riccardo Calafiori forced off with issue in pre-season friendly with Newcastle as Gunners sweat over defender's fitness

Arsenal dealt with a huge injury blow as Riccardo Calafiori limped off the pitch at the start of the second half against Newcastle United. The Italian defender was sidelined with multiple injuries in the 2024-25 campaign now even before the new started, he picked up yet another knock. Despite Calafiori's injury scare, the Gunners registered a 3-2 win.

Arsenal’s Injury Woes Resurface as Calafiori Exits Pre-Season Clash

In a thrilling pre-season encounter that showcased ‘s resilience, the team secured a hard-earned victory, but not without a concerning setback for new defender Riccardo Calafiori. As the Gunners gear up for the upcoming season, this latest injury development adds to the club’s ongoing fitness challenges, reminiscent of past campaigns where key players were sidelined at crucial moments.

  • Calafiori limped off the pitch against Newcastle
  • Fresh injury blow for Arsenal
  • Gunners beat Newcastle 3-2

Arsenal's injuries are back! Riccardo Calafiori forced off with issue in pre-season friendly with Newcastle as Gunners sweat over defender's fitnessArsenal's injuries are back! Riccardo Calafiori forced off with issue in pre-season friendly with Newcastle as Gunners sweat over defender's fitnessArsenal's injuries are back! Riccardo Calafiori forced off with issue in pre-season friendly with Newcastle as Gunners sweat over defender's fitness

Thrilling Comeback Win for Arsenal Amid Pre-Season Challenges

Arsenal mounted an impressive recovery to claim a narrow 3-2 triumph against Newcastle during their friendly match in Singapore, demonstrating their depth and determination ahead of the new campaign. The Magpies struck first through their recent acquisition, Anthony Elanga, who gave them an advantage early on. However, the Gunners responded dynamically, with Mikel Merino leveling the score around the 30-minute mark, followed by an unfortunate own goal from Alex Murphy that shifted momentum in Arsenal’s favor.

The game remained intense as Jacob Murphy pulled Newcastle back on equal terms, but Arsenal’s skipper, Martin Odegaard, sealed the deal with a composed penalty in the closing stages. This victory marks a positive step in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations, especially considering their strong record in recent , where they’ve won four out of their last five, boosting team morale as the opener approaches.

Calafiori’s Setback Raises Concerns for Arsenal’s Defensive Lineup

While the result was encouraging, manager Mikel Arteta faces fresh worries over Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness after the Italian international was seen hobbling off the field shortly after the second half began. He proceeded directly down the tunnel, with Jakub Kiwior stepping in as his substitute. This incident echoes Arsenal’s persistent injury issues from the previous season, where they dealt with over 20 absences among key squad members, impacting their title challenge.

New Faces and Future Prospects in Arsenal’s Squad

Adding a spark of excitement to the occasion, Arsenal’s latest recruit, Viktor Gyokeres, was spotted in the stands at Singapore’s Stadium, observing his future colleagues in action. The prolific Swedish forward, who netted an impressive 29 goals in his last league season, is yet to feature for the club but is expected to integrate soon, potentially strengthening Arsenal’s attacking options amid ongoing transfer activities.

Looking Ahead: Arsenal’s Next Pre-Season Test Against Tottenham

Following this eventful matchup, Arsenal shifts focus to their heated rivalry with in the subsequent Asia tour fixture, set to take place at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. This clash promises high stakes, even in a friendly context, as both teams fine-tune their strategies for the demanding season ahead, with Arsenal aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak in pre-season derbies over the past three years.