Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori suffers freak injury during Italy match in huge concern before north London derby

Calafiori stretchered off after just 26 minutes during Italy U21 clash

The defender is now a doubt for the north London derby on October 1

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori suffered a freak injury during Italy's Under-21 clash with the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old left-back was stretchered off after just 26 minutes of the game in Dublin following a challenge from Ireland's Conor Coventry. Calafiori appeared to be in significant pain as he was carried off the pitch, and the injury is a major concern for Arsenal ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on October 1. The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that Calafiori has suffered a "muscle problem" and will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury. Calafiori has been in impressive form for Arsenal this season, and his injury is a blow to the Gunners' hopes of challenging for the Premier League title. The defender has made four appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season, and has provided one assist. Calafiori is now a doubt for the north London derby, and his absence would be a major blow to Arsenal's chances of victory. The Gunners have a number of other injury concerns ahead of the game, with Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, and Calum Chambers all out injured. If Calafiori is ruled out, Mikel Arteta could be forced to field a makeshift defence against Tottenham. The north London derby is one of the most important games of the season for both Arsenal and Tottenham, and Calafiori's injury is a major blow to the Gunners' hopes of victory.