'That's great news': Mikel Arteta has shared positive Arsenal update amid Martin Odegaard injury blow
Today at 03:15 AM
Arsenal, fresh from their North London derby triumph, will now look to get off the mark in their first Champions League fixture of the 2024/25 season.
The Gunners have been preparing to face Atalanta, last season’s Europa League winners, in Thursday night's 8pm BST kick-off at the Gewiss Stadium.
Arsenal stumbled somewhat against Brighton just before the international break, but their win over Tottenham Hotspur instantly brought optimism back to N5.
However, there has been disappointing news on the injury front as it emerged that Martin Odegaard would be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
At the same time, Arsenal have received some injury boosts elsewhere, which Mikel Arteta was able to divulge at his pre-match presser.
Mikel Arteta confirms Riccardo Calafiori is back for Arsenal ahead of Atalanta clash
Arteta, speaking to football.london, was able to confirm that Riccardo Calafiori is available for the trip to Atalanta.
The defender missed out on the win over Tottenham after being forced off during Italy's Nations League clash against France earlier this month.
Calafiori took a knock to his calf in a freak collision when he was accidentally caught down the back of his leg by France's Ousmane Dembele.
The Arsenal summer signing received treatment on the pitch and tried to play through the problem, but eventually had to be replaced.
Calafiori is now available once again, with Arteta saying: “Riccardo was able to train today and he will be available and in the squad.
“That's great news because as we all know we've been a bit short the past few weeks.”
READ MORE: Arsenal are already lining up £21m bid to sign Inter Milan player with 'remarkable speed'
Potential Arsenal changes for Atalanta game
Arsenal have to have an eye on Sunday’s crucial meeting with fellow Premier League title chasers Manchester City. With that in mind, Arteta may need to shuffle his pack.
With Calafiori back, the Arsenal boss could potentially give the Italian his first start for the club, while Jurrien Timber could be in line for a rest.
Summer signing Raheem Sterling could make his full debut, and it would be a great opportunity for him to do so, which has the added benefit of Bukayo Saka being able to have a break.
There's also a chance that Arsenal turn to Ethan Nwaneri to make his first start too, which would be a huge moment for him and one that fans have been eager to see.
