Arsenal boost as Italy defender Calafiori could return for Burnley clash

Arsenal have been handed a potential injury boost after Riccardo Calafiori was seen sprinting from the dugout to celebrate Leandro Trossard’s winner against West Ham, despite having been withdrawn at half-time with a knock during Sunday’s 1-0 victory at the London Stadium.

According to reports, the Italy international did not reappear for the second half, raising immediate doubts over his availability for Arsenal’s final home match of the season against Burnley.

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However, the viral footage of Calafiori celebrating at full pace has offered encouragement that the issue may not be as serious as initially feared.

Head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed the defender had picked up a knock at half-time, alongside a separate issue for Ben White which forced an earlier adjustment.

“After that, I said at half-time to the boys, we’re really going to go for it, so be ready,” Arteta said. A fuller update on Calafiori’s condition is expected when the Arsenal manager faces the media later this week ahead of the Burnley fixture.

Arsenal will know before kick-off against Burnley whether a win is enough to clinch the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, with that scenario dependent on Manchester City dropping points against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. The Gunners also have a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, making the management of key players in the coming weeks a delicate balancing act for Arteta.