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

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has provided an update on Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, after he was forced off during their win against France in the Nations League.

The 22-year old played just over an hour of the clash at the Parc des Princes but was substituted shortly receiving a blow to his ankle with the visitors leading 3-1. 

Calafiori, who signed for Arsenal in a £42million move from Bologna, suffered a freak blow to his ankle after Ousmane Dembele fell on him having been tackled by Bastoni.

The defender appeared in pain while down on the pitch, with concerned team-mates gathered around him.

The scenes will have provided a scare to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of next weekend's North London derby against Tottenham. 

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off during their 3-1 victory over France

Arsenal's new signing suffered a freak injury after Ousmane Dembele fell on him

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

Italy's boss Spalletti, however, has eased concerns over the seriousness of the injury. 

Spalletti said: 'We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.'

Italy's next game is this Monday where they will play Israel at the Bozsik Arena in another Nations League game.

Read More

LISTEN: The old Soccer AM Gang reunite to reminisce about hosting the iconic show

Although Spalletti is hopeful Calafiori will be fit to feature for The Blues on Monday, many Arsenal fans will be hoping he is sidelined for the clash as a precautionary measure.

Arsenal's next game following the international break is the North London derby against arch rivals Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta will already be without his full squad and this injury could be another issue for the Spanish coach to try and overcome.

The Gunners will be without midfield anchor Declan Rice, who misses out through suspension after his sending off last weekend against Brighton following a bizarre incident.

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

Arsenal are without star man Declan Rice for the North London Derby through suspension

Arsenal's £42m summer signing is now also a doubt for the match against Tottenham

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.