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3 big questions Arsenal must answer after the international break
- Arsenal made a good start to the Premier League season
- However, there are still some ‘problems’ for Arteta to sort out
- Answers will be needed ahead of a tough September schedule
By Kenneth Daly
3. When should Riccardo Calafiori make his full debut?
In a world where David Raya is not really ‘new’ and Merino is sidelined, Arsenal fans are keen to see their other high-profile purchase make his full Premier League debut.
Arteta has shown restraint on that front so far, granting Calafiori just 42 minutes across the first three matches (all from the bench) and rotating between Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber at left back during that period.
However, the Italy star is expected to emerge as first choice soon and has had lots of time to adapt in training. He might get his chance imminently, given Timber’s call-up to the Netherlands squad and the need to manage him carefully, as well as Zinchenko’s general defensive struggles, but the boss might decide against an NLD baptism of fire.
Caution is welcome and Calafiori will get his chance in time – the Arsenal staff would obviously know best when to use him. But with several difficult assignments to come, he will be needed on the pitch soon and Arteta cannot ‘protect’ him forever.
When will he take the plunge? The defender's injury, sustained on international duty, could delay his maiden start.
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