Why Arsenal could drop Calafiori for UCL semis vs. Atletico Madrid
TL;DR
Arsenal may not start Riccardo Calafiori in the Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid, as Mikel Arteta is considering Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie for added security.
Key points
- Arsenal may drop Riccardo Calafiori for the UCL semifinal.
- Mikel Arteta is considering Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.
- The match is against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
Why Arsenal could drop Calafiori for UCL semis vs. Atletico Madrid
Italy international Riccardo Calafiori is not expected to start for Arsenal in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Atletico Madrid tonight, as Mikel Arteta âcould be tempted by the added security of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.â
Arteta to drop Calafiori for Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid?
Calafioriâs Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals at the Emirates Stadium in London tonight.
The first leg played in Madrid last week ended in a 1-1 draw.
Calafiori returned to action after nearly a month last weekend, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Fulham.
LONDON, ENGLAND â JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Italian defender is eligible for tonightâs fixture, and even though Standard.co.uk admits the ex-Roma and Bologna defender âlooked sharpâ in his latest outing, Arteta âcould be tempted by the added security of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.â
UDINE, ITALY â OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Calafiori has scored one goal and provided three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions with Arsenal this term.
He is in his second season at the Emirates Stadium, where his contract expires in June 2029.
Q&A
Why is Riccardo Calafiori not expected to start for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid?
Calafiori is likely to be dropped in favor of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie for added defensive security.
What are the implications of Arsenal dropping Calafiori for the UCL semifinal?
Dropping Calafiori could strengthen Arsenal's defense as they face Atletico Madrid in a crucial match.
When and where is the Champions League semifinal second leg between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid?
The match is scheduled for tonight at the Emirates Stadium in London.
