Opponent watch: Arsenal defensive ace a doubt for Real Madrid UCL clash | OneFootball

International breaks are always a dangerous proposition for Real Madrid, especially now more than ever, considering the fact that the club are missing a myriad of players through long-term injuries.

However, after the first set of fixtures, it appears Real Madrid may have gained from the international break so far.

Calafiori to be ruled out vs Real Madrid?

That is because Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal opponent, Arsenal, could lose out on their defensive star Riccardo Calafiori.

As reported by AS, Calafiori picked up a late injury during Italy’s narrow defeat to Germany. The defender had a nasty fall that injured his left knee.

Tests were carried out on the Arsenal star this morning. Although the Italian football association did not specify the extent of the player, it is apparent that the player has injured his left knee.

Big blow for Arsenal? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The report adds that this could put serious question marks over Calafiori’s availability against Real Madrid, at least in the first leg of the quarterfinal.

Arsenal are hopeful they can have the Italian back for the return leg. But as of now, the defender will be facing a race against time to get back to full fitness before the Champions League matches.

Arsenal’s biggest worry is that Calafiori had injured the same left knee back in 2018, when he was still playing for Roma’s Primavera team.

Calafiori’s likely absence could serve as a major blow for Arsenal as Calafiori is one of the club’s main defenders and the stability he provides on the left-flank could have played a key role in nullifying the Real Madrid attackers.

With the Italian unlikely to feature against Madrid, coach Mikel Arteta must come up with alternatives in the fullback position as the Gunners take on the reigning European champions next month.