Theo Walcott has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to consider Riccardo Calafiori as a replacement for William Saliba in the upcoming clash against Liverpool. Saliba received a straight red card during Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, which means he will miss three crucial Premier League fixtures, starting with Liverpool next Sunday, followed by away games against Newcastle and Chelsea.
Saliba, along with Gabriel Magalhaes, has formed one of the strongest centre-back partnerships in Europe, crucial to Arsenal’s title challenges over the last two seasons. With Saliba sidelined, Arteta will need to adjust his defensive lineup.
Walcott, a former Arsenal forward, suggested that Calafiori, who excelled in the centre-back position for Italy and Bologna last season, would be the logical choice to step in. Although Calafiori has primarily played left-back at Arsenal, Walcott expressed concern over his speed against Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. “I would probably move Calafiori in [to centre-half]. I would be worried about Salah’s pace against him because Calafiori isn’t the fastest,” Walcott told Sky Sports.
Walcott also recommended bringing back Oleksandr Zinchenko, arguing that his experience would be vital in such a high-stakes match. “They might need more of a talker, someone who knows this sort of fixture and the importance of it,” he added.
However, Jamie Redknapp reminded Walcott that Zinchenko struggled against Salah in their previous encounter, pointing out that having one key player unavailable can disrupt the team’s balance. “Zinchenko had a lot of problems against Salah last year,” Redknapp noted. The two also discussed the possibility of Jurrien Timber, who missed the Bournemouth game, as another viable option for the defensive reshuffle.
The defeat at the Vitality Stadium was a setback for Arsenal, denying them the chance to take the Premier League top spot. Liverpool could reclaim first place with a win over Chelsea on Sunday.