‘It’s time to play’ – Riccardo Calafiori sends message to Mikel Arteta over his playing time with Arsenal star yet to start since £42m Bologna move

The Italian international picked up a freak injury against France during the September international break which saw him miss the Azzurri’s encounter with Israel. He left the national team camp early to fly to London for medical tests and after a successful recovery, Calafiori is gunning for a start with the Gunners.

Calafiori was eased back into action by Arteta during the midweek Champions League clash against Atalanta. His versatility again came to the forefront as the natural wing-back was operating as an inverted full-back, cutting inside from the wide areas, to provide more depth and options to the manager.

Calafiori was not risked in the North London derby against Tottenham but the defender believes that he is ready for the rigours of the Premier League and should be handed a start.

“It’s a huge challenge but I knew that already before I came and I can give my qualities, my skills to the team and I’m happy to do it. I know I can give more, for sure,” said Calafiori.

“The competition is good because it pushes everyone in training and the game as well. I am already settled in. The team has been amazing with me and now it’s time to play.”

Calafiori insisted that Arsenal are ready for the challenge against Manchester City at Etihad on Sunday and warned the hosts that there is a “belief and strength” among the Gunners that will help them come out on top.

“We believe we can win, for sure,” he said. “Every game we have to win. That’s our belief and our strength of feeling. We can do it. I know Manchester City pretty well already. I don’t need somebody telling me about City – we know all about them. But we don’t need to speak about them because we have to focus on ourselves and we can beat them if we do our things well. We have a good spirit, a really good team and from now we should think about Sunday because that is going to be really tough as well.”

Arteta has a choice to make between Calafiori and Jurien Timber as he prepares his side for a blockbuster Premier League clash against City. The result might have huge implications on the title race and it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard would take the risk of starting Calafiori, who is yet to play a full 90-minute match since his summer move from Bologna.