Mikel Arteta confirms injury scare for left-back

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that left-back Riccardo Calafiori did not start against Everton in the Premier League due to a minor injury concern.

The Italy international has been almost ever-present in the starting XI this campaign, but he was only a substitute for Myles Lewis-Skelly at the weekend.

Speaking after the 2-0 win over Everton, Arteta said Calafiori had a slight muscle issue in the lead-up to the game, and the Italian decided to play it safe as a substitute.

Arsenal went level on points with leaders Manchester City in the table after a win over the Toffees. Man City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa earlier on Saturday.

Next up, the Gunners will be in Carabao Cup fourth-round action against Fleetwood Town on the road. Arteta is expected to ring in the changes versus the League Two side.

Calafiori could be reinstated in the XI at left-back, provided he is deemed fully fit. Otherwise, Piero Hincapie could slot into the position after his recent injury return.