Arsenal have received an important fitness boost ahead of Monday night’s Premier League meeting with Burnley after Riccardo Calafiori returned to full training following an injury scare against West Ham United.
The defender was substituted at half-time during Arsenal’s recent victory at the London Stadium, prompting concern after Mikel Arteta confirmed post-match that the change had been injury-related.
However, fears over a fresh setback now appear to have eased significantly.
Calafiori back in full training
The Italy international was spotted participating fully in Arsenal’s open training session ahead of the Burnley fixture, indicating he has avoided any serious issue.
Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz, as relayed by Arsenal News, described the development as “positive news” for Arsenal, adding that Calafiori “seems to have avoided injury after coming off at half-time against West Ham.”
The timing is particularly significant given the intensity of Arsenal’s title race with Manchester City.
With two games remaining, Arsenal currently sit on 79 points after 36 matches and can extend their lead at the summit with victory over Burnley in their final home game of the campaign.
Calafiori’s return gives Arteta multiple options on the left side of the defence.
Alongside the Italian, both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapié are competing for involvement.
Hincapie enjoyed an impressive April, earning Arsenal’s Player of the Month award following a series of commanding performances. Despite that form, he has recently found himself on the bench, including against West Ham, where he remained unused.
Lewis-Skelly, meanwhile, continues to grow in influence after his emergence in central midfield against Fulham. His energy and aggression have added a different dimension to Arsenal’s midfield structure.
During the second half against West Ham, the teenager shifted back to left-back after Calafiori’s withdrawal, underlining his tactical versatility.
Midfield questions remain
The reshaping of Arsenal’s midfield has become a notable subplot in recent weeks.
Martin Zubimendi began the season strongly following his arrival, but performances have dipped during the closing stages of the campaign.
That decline has opened opportunities for Lewis-Skelly, whose dynamism alongside Declan Rice has brought renewed intensity to Arsenal’s midfield play.
Against a Burnley side expected to defend deep, Arteta may once again favour mobility and directness in central areas.
Monday’s match carries substantial importance in the Premier League title race.
Manchester City remain in close pursuit with a game in hand, meaning Arsenal cannot afford any margin for error during the final stretch.
The return of Calafiori strengthens Arteta’s defensive options at a crucial moment, particularly given the physical demands placed on the squad over recent weeks.
Read More: Liverpool have damning advantage over Arsenal in race for Gabriel Martinelli replacement
Calafiori’s recovery represents a timely piece of positive news for Arsenal as they prepare for another high-pressure encounter.
With tactical flexibility increasing and squad depth improving, Arteta enters the Burnley clash with greater balance across both defence and midfield.
At this stage of the season, availability can prove as decisive as form, and Arsenal have received a significant boost just when they needed it most.