Arsenal received a significant boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur with the return of Riccardo Calafiori. The team currently sits four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City after eleven rounds of the season, and injured players are beginning to recover in time for the crucial derby.
Forwards Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke could return to the squad. The most encouraging news came regarding left-back Calafiori, who had left Italy’s national team camp early due to a hip issue. After medical checks at the club, it was confirmed that he is fully fit and ready to play in the derby.
The twenty-four-year-old defender has become a regular starter after a previous season affected by injuries and has contributed one goal and two assists in eleven matches this campaign. His form has been one of the key reasons why Arsenal remains at the top of the table.
In contrast, Gabriel Magalhães remains doubtful after suffering a groin injury while playing for Brazil. If he is unable to feature, coach Mikel Arteta could give Piero Hincapié an opportunity, which would mark his first league appearance since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Arsenal enters the derby against Tottenham with renewed confidence and greater depth in both defense and attack. Supporters believe that the return of key players will help the team maintain its winning run and strengthen its position at the top of the Premier League.
