Italy coach gives update on Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori after freak injury against France… which gave Mikel Arteta a scare ahead of next week's north London derby

Arsenal may face another long season of injury concerns after Riccardo Calafiori was forced off with a serious injury during Italy's victory over France in the Nations League.

The defender, who joined the Emirates from Bologna for £42 million this summer, suffered a heavy blow to the ankle after Ousmane Dembele fell on top of him following a tackle from Bastoni.

The 22-year-old only played for just over an hour in the encounter at the Parc des Princes, but was taken out of the game by doctors shortly after the incident when the visitors were leading 3-1.

In scenes that must have worried Mikel Arteta, the full-back appeared to be in great pain as he lay on the ground while his visibly worried teammates gathered around him.

However, Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has allayed concerns about the severity of the injury.

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off the pitch due to injury during Italy’s 3-1 win over France in the Nations League.

The 22-year-old suffered a bizarre injury after Ousmane Dembele fell on him following a tackle by Bastoni.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has allayed concerns about the severity of the injury

Spalletti said: “We have to assess Riccardo, but with our personnel we have a good chance of having him back for the next game.”

Italy's next game is this Monday, in another Nations League match against Israel at the Bozsik Arena.

Although Spalletti hopes Caliofiri will be fit enough to face the Blues on Monday, many Arsenal fans are hoping he will sit out the game as a precautionary measure.

Arsenal’s next game after the international break is the North London derby against arch-rivals Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta is already without his entire squad and this injury could become another problem for the Spanish coach to overcome.

The Gunners will be without midfielder Declan Rice, who is suspended after being sent off following a bizarre incident against Brighton last weekend.

Mikel Merino is also out due to an injury he sustained during his first training session.

Arsenal will have to do without their star Declan Rice in the North London derby, who is suspended

Arsenal's £42 million summer transfer is also questionable for the titanic duel

The Italian defender has made just two appearances for Arsenal since joining in the summer – after coming on as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa and Brighton.

We will miss his injury-related absence sorely if he is out for a longer period of time.

The Gunners will play five games between now and the end of September, taking part in Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup matches.