The 23-year-old defender left the Azzurri camp on Saturday morning after failing to recover in time for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Norway. Italian officials confirmed he would not take part in the decisive fixture, with Gennaro Gattuso insisting the player “couldn’t push through the discomfort any longer.”

Calafiori will now undergo tests with Arsenal’s medical department, who were notified immediately of his early departure. Initial indications from both clubs suggest the issue believed to be a hip-related problem is not expected to be long-term, though Arsenal are understandably cautious given his importance to Mikel Arteta’s table-topping side.

The situation comes amid claims in Italy this week that the defender had been advised by Arsenal to remain in London for treatment during the international break. Despite those recommendations, Calafiori joined up with his national team and reportedly trained alone before being omitted entirely from Thursday’s friendly against Moldova.

Calafiori has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, starting all 11 Premier League matches and becoming a key part of Arteta’s restructured back line.

Arsenal’s injury list has thinned in recent days, but the club is managing several players on the brink of returning. Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are both nearing full fitness following knee problems, though neither appeared for the U21s earlier this week as planned.

Meanwhile, Martin Ødegaard remains “some way off,” according to Norway boss Ståle Solbakken, while Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Martinelli continue their respective recoveries from muscular and long-term issues.

Arsenal resume Premier League action on Sunday, November 23, with a high-pressure North London derby at Tottenham meaning Calafiori’s assessment in the coming days will be monitored closely by Arteta and his staff.