Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori Eagerly Awaits Bukayo Saka’s Return
Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal’s dynamic left-back, has expressed his enthusiasm about the imminent return of Bukayo Saka, the team’s star winger. Saka, who has been sidelined since December due to hamstring surgery, is expected to resume training after the international break, with hopes of being fit for the highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. Calafiori, who played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s impressive 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, believes Saka’s comeback will be a significant boost for the team. "Everyone will be happy if he comes back," Calafiori said. "He’s a top player and will make a big difference for us. He’s an important player and a top guy."
Focus on Chelsea Before Real Madrid
While the excitement about Saka’s potential return is palpable, Calafiori remains focused on the immediate task at hand: the upcoming Premier League clash against Chelsea. Arsenal is currently in a heated race for the title, with Liverpool setting the pace early in the season. However, the Gunners are now looking over their shoulder, as a defeat to Chelsea could narrow the gap between the two teams to just three points. Calafiori emphasized the importance of staying focused on the present, stating, "I’m not even thinking of Real Madrid right now. I’m thinking about Chelsea and then the national team, and then we’ll see."
Confidence in Arsenal’s Champions League Ambitions
Despite the challenges ahead, Calafiori exudes confidence in Arsenal’s ability to make a deep run in the Champions League. "Now we know the result, we are so happy to play this quarter-final, and we want to go through," he said. "We just focus game by game, but we are pretty confident, of course. If you arrive here, it means you can win—so why not?" Calafiori’s own journey to this point is a testament to his resilience and talent. Once considered one of the 50 most promising youngsters in Europe by UEFA, he has already experienced the pressures of high-stakes football, including a stint with Roma in the Europa League as a teenager.
Calafiori Reflects on Chelsea Clash and Cole Palmer’s Form
The Chelsea match promises to be a tough challenge, but Calafiori remains optimistic. "I think it’s a big game, but we just focus on ourselves," he said. "We don’t want to think about what’s behind us; we’re just focusing on us." He also acknowledged the talent of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who has struggled lately with no goals or assists in his last seven Premier League games. "He’s a good player, maybe it’s not the best moment for him," Calafiori noted. Arsenal’s recent form against Chelsea has been encouraging, with just one defeat in their last 11 meetings across all competitions.
Mentorship and Support for Myles Lewis-Skelly
Off the pitch, Calafiori has taken on a mentorship role for his teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently earned his first England call-up at just 18 years old. Calafiori, who understands the pressures of being a young player in the spotlight, offered words of wisdom: "Myles is another top player for me. He’s just 18, but you can see on the pitch he seems like he’s 30 years old. He just needs to think that he has a long career ahead. He’s a top guy, and I think he can be really, really good." Calafiori’s own experiences as a teenager playing for Roma in the Europa League give him a unique perspective on navigating the challenges of being a young player in a high-pressure environment.
Arsenal’s Ambitions for the Season
As Arsenal prepares for a crucial stretch of matches, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, the mood in the camp remains positive. Calafiori’s comments reflect the confidence and determination of the squad. With Saka’s return on the horizon and a young, talented roster, Arsenal is poised to make a strong push for both domestic and European success. The Gunners’ ability to balance immediate priorities, like securing three points against Chelsea, with long-term ambitions, such as advancing in the Champions League, will be key to their success this season. For now, the focus is on taking it one game at a time and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.
