In a dramatic pre-match development, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori was pulled from the starting lineup at the last minute ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. The Italian left-back sustained an injury during the warm-up, forcing manager Mikel Arteta into immediate tactical adjustments just moments before kickoff.
Late Withdrawal Disrupts Arsenal's Plans
Calafiori had been scheduled to start at left-back against the League One side, with young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also named in the starting eleven. However, the 24-year-old defender felt discomfort during pre-match preparations, mirroring a similar incident that occurred in December before a Premier League match against Brighton.
This latest setback represents another chapter in what has been a frustrating season for Calafiori, who has battled persistent fitness issues despite beginning the campaign impressively. The defender scored against Manchester United on the opening day and remained a regular starter until December's injury problems emerged.
Arteta's Tactical Reshuffle
With Calafiori unavailable, Arteta implemented significant changes to his planned lineup. Bukayo Saka was promoted from the bench to the starting eleven, while Lewis-Skelly shifted from midfield to the left-back position where he has gained most of his first-team experience this season.
Saka appeared to adopt a free role in midfield, providing additional creative options against Wigan's defensive setup. The bench also saw a late alteration, with 17-year-old Northern Irish forward Ceadach O'Neill added as cover following Saka's elevation to the starting side.
Recurring Fitness Concerns
Calafiori's injury history this season has been particularly concerning for Arsenal supporters. After his December setback, which occurred during another warm-up session, the defender didn't return to action until January 28th in a Champions League match against Kairat.
Arteta had previously expressed bewilderment about Calafiori's fitness issues, stating after the December incident: 'Something with Ricci was very, very strange. It's something that he felt yesterday, something very awkward that happened and today in the warm-up he wasn't comfortable.'
The defender had only recently returned to the starting lineup, featuring in Arsenal's 3-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland on February 7th. His latest withdrawal raises questions about his long-term fitness and availability for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Broader Context and Implications
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of football preparation and the fine margins that can affect team selection. For Wigan Athletic, facing a Championship side in the FA Cup represents a significant challenge, and Arsenal's last-minute lineup changes could potentially alter the tactical dynamics of the encounter.
The FA Cup fourth-round match represents an important opportunity for both clubs, with Arsenal seeking silverware to complement their Premier League ambitions, while Wigan aims to create a memorable cup upset against top-flight opposition.
Medical staff will now assess Calafiori's condition to determine the severity of this latest setback and establish a timeline for his return. Arsenal's defensive options may be tested in coming weeks depending on the diagnosis, particularly with multiple competitions demanding squad rotation and depth.
