Champions League line-ups: Calafiori could make return in Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal

TL;DR

Riccardo Calafiori is set to return to the squad for Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid but will start on the bench. He has missed the last four matches due to injury.

Key points

Riccardo Calafiori could return for Arsenal
He will start on the bench against Atletico Madrid
Calafiori missed the last four matches due to injury

Riccardo CalafioriArsenalAtletico MadridChampions League

Champions League line-ups: Calafiori could make return in Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal

Riccardo Calafiori could be poised to make his return to action, but will start amongst the substitutes on this occasion as Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday evening.

Calafiori back in squad for Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal

Calafiori has missed Arsenal’s last four matches across all competitions (three in the Premier League and one in the Champions League) after suffering a knock in his side’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP on April 7.

The Italy international has missed the last three weeks of action since then, but has returned to training with the Arsenal first-team this week.

Calafiori is included in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad for the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final away against Atletico Madrid, but Piero Hincapie is preferred at left-back on this occasion.

Former Atalanta star Ademola Lookman is included in the Atletico Madrid starting line-up, but there is no Nico Gonzalez, currently on loan from Juventus, who is expected to miss the next three to four weeks with a muscular injury.

Q&A

What is Riccardo Calafiori's injury status for the Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal match?

Riccardo Calafiori is back in the squad but will start among the substitutes due to having missed the last four matches with an injury.

When did Calafiori sustain his injury?

Calafiori sustained his injury during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP on April 7.

What are the implications of Calafiori's return for Arsenal's Champions League campaign?

Calafiori's return adds depth to Arsenal's squad as they compete in the Champions League semi-finals, although he will not start in the match against Atletico Madrid.