Italy manager provides update on Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori following freak injury against France... which handed Mikel Arteta a scare ahead of next week's North London derby

Arsenal could be set to for another lengthy season of injury woes after Riccardo Calafiori was forced off during Italy's victory against France in the Nations League with a major injury scare. 

The defender who arrived to the Emirates this summer from Bologna for £42million,suffered a freak blow to his ankle after Ousmane Dembele fell on him,having been tackled by Bastoni.

The 22-year old played just over an hour of the clash at the Parc des Princes but was taken out of the game by medics shortly after the incident with the visitors leading 3-1. 

Following scenes that will have worried Mikel Arteta,the full back looked in immense pain while on the floor as his visibly concerned team-mates gathered around him. 

However Italy's head coach Luciano Spalletti has eased concerns over the seriousness of the injury.

Arsenal's £42m summer signing is now also a doubt for the titanic clash

The Italian defender has just made two appearance for Arsenal since joining in the summer -  after being introduced as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa and Brighton. 

His absence through injury will be greatly missed if he is sidelined for an extended period of time.

The Gunners will play five matches before September draws to a close as they feature in games from the Premier League,Champions League and Carabao Cup. 

Italy FootballMikel Arteta