In a press briefing ahead of a UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta updated on Riccardo Calafiori’s and Ben White’s fitness while the absence of Ousmane Dembélé from PSG was acknowledged, including a discussion about the opposition posed by the French side.
Updated report on Riccardo Calafiori’s injury
Arteta began by confirming that Riccardo Calafiori injured against Leicester City in the Premier League is back in training. His recovery is regarded as a huge positive for an understaffed Arsenal defense. “Riccardo trained with the group today and responded well. It’s always positive, but we have to monitor him before making a final decision,” remarked Arteta. Full recovery is good news, though an assessment will probably be made shortly prior to the match about his participation against PSG.
Ben White’s Fitness Concerns
In respect of Ben White, who sat out the past two games with a groin injury, Arteta adopted a more guarded stance. “Ben is still working with his recovery. He hasn’t yet joined the main group yet, so he’s not available for this game,” said Arteta. Luckily for the team, White’s decline consists of putting some stress on the larger defense options. Arteta praised the depth in his defensive ranks and insisted that any bandaged option must step up to the plate.
