Riccardo Calafiori issues huge one-word Arsenal injury update as PSG return hope clear

Riccardo Calafiori has hinted he is close to returning from an injury that has seen miss the last five Arsenal games. While on international duty with Italy back in mid-March, Calafiori fell awkwardly on his knee with that being his fifth separate muscular problem of the season.

Despite the absence of him and Gabriel Magalhaes, along with some minor issues for Ben White, Arsenal have continued to remain defensively strong. Though Fulham, Everton and Brentford all scored in recent games against the Gunners, they continue to allow the opposition just a few chances at goal.

That was further shown by Real Madrid's star-studded attack scoring just once in their Champions League quarter-final.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Speaking at a press conference, the Arsenal boss said: ", he's still struggling with that [rib] incident. Ricci as well probably is not going to be available." That was later confirmed when Arsenal's squad for that clash was revealed with both stars missing.

Just a few days on from that clash, Arsenal are back in action when they host Crystal Palace and though he is expected to miss Sunday's game, he could be selected for that London derby and failing that, available to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg the following week.

"If everything goes well, I think so," Arteta said when asked if he could feature against PSG. "Maybe a little bit earlier. So, let's see. He's on the pitch already, he's done quite a lot of stuff and we just need to make the right steps now to make sure that when he's back he's in a good place to perform."

With hope for his return clear, the man himself has now furthered the likelihood of it occurring in the next 10 days by sending a one-word message on social media.

Alongside a video of him smiling in the back of a car, via stories, Calafiori wrote: "...Soon [grinning emoji]." Likely in reference to his injury return, the versatile defender has seemingly told Arsenal fans that he will be back in one of the next few games.

. "Semi-finals? I think that's too close," the Arsenal boss said when asked if the German could return as early as Wednesday, May 7.

"But if I had to bet on him earlier than expected, I would say yes. The way he works every day in that gym, pushing everybody, I don't think you can hold him much longer."