Arsenal: Mikel Arteta provides Riccardo Calafiori injury update after fresh setback | OneFootball

Concern for Arsenal after Calafiori was forced off in pre-season win over Newcastle

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Mikel Arteta hopes Riccardo Calafiori has avoided a serious injury after the Arsenal defender had to be substituted during Sunday's 3-2 win over Newcastle.

The Italian international headed straight down the tunnel, raising fears that he could be set for another spell on the sidelines.

“He said that he felt a little tweak, so I don't know how big it is, but hopefully not,” Arteta said.

Calafiori has suffered badly with injuries since joining Arsenal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Inspired by teenage sensation Max Dowman, Arsenal secured their second win of pre-season following their 1-0 defeat of AC Milan.

But the injury to Calafiori was a concern, as Arteta contends with a growing injury list.

Calafiori, a £42million arrival from Bologna last summer, suffered an injury-hit first season for Arsenal, playing just 29 times due to recurring knee and muscular problems.

Arteta is having to deal with a number of injuries to his defence, with Calafiori, who played 45 minutes against AC Milan, the latest casualty.

Arsenal are already missing defenders Jurrien Timber and Gabriel, with the pair yet to play during pre-season as they nurse injury problems from last season.

Ben White, meanwhile, is making steady progress after getting back to full fitness following knee surgery.

Arsenal play Tottenham on Thursday as they round off their tour of Asia, with striker Viktor Gyokeres in line to make his debut for the club against Spurs.