Arsenal explain Riccardo Calafiori absence from Man United clash as Tottenham fear emerges

Arsenal are without Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori for Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash with Manchester United at the Emirates.

The 22-year-old was an unused substitute in the 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Newcastle United in the week and was expected to play a part against Ruben Amorim's side on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta did not mention any injury for Calafiori in his pre-game press conference, but he is nowhere to be seen on the teamsheet for the visit of the Red Devils, and it has been confirmed that the defender has picked up a new issue.

"Riccardo Calafiori is out injured, so is not in the 20-man squad at all," Arsenal said in a statement, and journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Calafiori has sustained a muscular problem.

The former Bologna man has therefore emerged as an early doubt for Wednesday's Premier League North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, and Myles Lewis-Skelly starts in his place against Man United.

Arteta has also reintroduced Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino into the starting lineup as Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice drop out, while David Raya continues in goal as Neto is denied a debut.

Meanwhile, Amorim has made two changes to the Man United side from their 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend, as Altay Bayindir and Alejandro Garnacho replace Andre Onana and Amad Diallo respectively.

Arsenal starting lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Jorginho, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Havertz Subs: Neto, Zinchenko, Tierney, Kiwior, Partey, Rice, Trossard, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji

Man United starting lineup: Bayindir; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund Subs: Onana, Malacia, Yoro, Casemiro, Collyer, Eriksen, Amad, Antony, Zirkzee.