vox888 Arsenal head coach Miguel Arteta has revealed that Riccardo Calafiori’s substitution early in the second half was not due to injury. vox888

Calafiori started in Arsenal’s 5-2 Premier League win at West Ham United on Saturday but was substituted in the 56th minute, raising concerns among fans that the Italy international had suffered a recurrence of his injury.

However, Arteta insists Calafiori’s removal is in line with plans to pamper his body.

“He’s had a few minor injuries in the last couple of weeks. He’s had a serious knee injury and he’s doing really well now.”

“But we have to manage his game time and we had to do the same in this game,” Arteta said.

Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer and has made 13 appearances in all competitions, starting six in the Premier League, three in the Champions League and one in the Carabao Cup, missing six games for the Gunners between October and November. ( vox888 )