Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism regarding Riccardo Calafiori’s recovery from injury. The Italian defender may be available for the upcoming Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, with Arteta hinting at a possible earlier return.

Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna, has been sidelined for a month due to an injury sustained while on international duty with Italy in March. During a press conference, Arteta was questioned about the player’s availability for the crucial match against PSG on April 29.

“If all goes according to plan, I believe he’ll be ready. There’s even a chance he could return a bit sooner,” Arteta stated. “He’s already training on the pitch and making significant progress. We’re taking the necessary steps to ensure he’s in optimal condition to perform when he returns.”

This season, Calafiori has contributed three goals and two assists in 26 appearances for Arsenal. While he has been a regular starter under Arteta, his development has been somewhat hindered by two separate knee injuries, causing him to miss 22 matches across all competitions.

The 22-year-old defender made his senior debut for Italy in June 2024 and has since earned nine caps under coach Luciano Spalletti. Italy’s next fixture is scheduled for June 6 against Norway in their opening World Cup qualifier.