Arsenal's plans for their Premier League encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion were thrown into disarray moments before kick-off on Saturday, as defender Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury during the warm-up.
A Cruel Late Withdrawal
Riccardo Calafiori had been named in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up for the match at the Emirates Stadium. However, the Italian left-back was forced to make an early exit down the tunnel after feeling a problem while completing the pre-match preparations. The club swiftly confirmed the news on their official X account, stating the player had 'picked up an issue'.
Arteta's Swift Re-Shuffle
The unexpected setback prompted an immediate change from manager Mikel Arteta. Myles Lewis-Skelly, originally named among the substitutes, was promoted to the starting eleven to fill the void left by Calafiori. This late alteration then created a space on the bench, which was taken by young Arsenal academy prospect Marli Salmon.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025, added to Arsenal's defensive concerns for the fixture. It represented a significant blow, depriving Arteta of a key player he had selected from the start, and forced a last-minute tactical rethink against a capable Brighton side.
Implications for Arsenal's Defence
This late change disrupted Arsenal's defensive structure and required Lewis-Skelly to step into a high-pressure Premier League situation with minimal preparation. The club will now anxiously await assessments on the extent of Calafiori's injury, with the busy festive fixture schedule offering little respite. His absence, depending on the severity, could influence Arteta's plans and potential activity in the upcoming January transfer window.
The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of football, where match-day preparations can be undone in an instant. Arsenal's squad depth was immediately tested, highlighting the importance of having versatile players like Lewis-Skelly ready to answer the call at a moment's notice.
