Calafiori injury raises Arsenal left-back concern as Arteta eyes surprise solution from within

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined after suffering a minor injury against Newcastle, with Mikel Arteta confirming ahead of the Tottenham clash that he would be missing. While the issue isn't believed to be serious, with the Italian expected to return before the start of the Premier League season, it highlights growing concerns over Arsenal's left-back depth - especially with Zinchenko linked with a move. However, a teenage talent could offer an unexpected solution.

Arsenal continued to be without Calafiori on Thursday afternoon. The Italian had to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior during the 3-2 win over the Magpies on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to the media after the win, Mikel Arteta explained that the player didn’t want to take any risks when he seemed to fall awkwardly during the game. "Yeah, he said that he felt a little tweak, so I don't know how big it is, but hopefully not," he said.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta's classy moment and why next Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal opportunity will be different

READ MORE: Andrea Berta £24m Arsenal transfer masterstroke clear as 'agreement' reached

Arteta was asked again ahead of the game with Tottenham for an update, to which he said: "Everybody's going to be okay apart from big Gabi, who is still out, and Riccy, it's probably going to be a bit too early for him tomorrow."

The manager clarified after the game that it doesn't appear to be too serious a problem, but this is hardly a new moment for the Italian. Calafiori missed matches at six different points of the last campaign.

Arteta confirmed that Calafiori, in addition to Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes, would likely be back in time for the new season. "If they evolve like they've been involved in the last few days, so Gabriel Magalhaes, Calafiori and Timber, the three of them will be available," he said.

Calf, knee, and muscular issues meant that the Italian missed 24 matchday squads across all competitions. This has raised questions about whether having Myles Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori as the two senior options at left back is enough.

Oleksandr Zinchenko remains on the books for now, but the Ukrainian international could be sold if a reasonable offer comes in, with Fulham reportedly interested. If he leaves, it would put a lot of pressure on Lewis-Skelly to remain available.

Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber have played left-back for the club, but the former has struggled in the role. The latter is far more at home on the right-hand side, and both he and Ben White have suffered fitness issues of their own. Unbeknownst to some, however, the club made a signing this summer in the role.

After a successful trial, 17-year-old Marcell Washington signed a professional contract with the club, having previously been with Chelsea. He is the son of former Blues defender Ryan Bertrand and plays the same role as his father.

Upon signing, he said: "I think I've got a lot to prove and I'm looking forward to doing that. Hopefully, obviously, the coaching staff can see that through my game." football.london watched one of the teenagers' games in the flesh when the Gunners took on Derby's youth team and he impressed greatly.

He is a front-footed player who loves to support the attack, a style that Mikel Arteta likes from his full-backs. He might yet get chances with the senior group and has regularly trained with the senior team.