Arsenal star instantly replaced in line-up by Bukayo Saka just minutes before FA Cup clash

Arsenal have been dealt an apparent injury blow just minutes before their FA Cup fourth round clash against Wigan Athletic.

Riccardo Calafiori was named in the starting XI for the clash at the Emirates, but five minutes before the game, it was announced by the Gunners that the Italian was out.

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Bukayo Saka has taken his place in the starting XI and has also claimed the captain’s armband.

Ben White had been due to wear the armband with Martin Odegaard not in the squad.

This is the latest setback for the Calafiori, who has been hit with injuries this season.

It is also the second time that he’s been injured in the warm-up ahead of a game this term.

The same thing also happened against Brighton on December 27, which saw Myles Lewis-Skelly replace in the line-up.

It was a situation that left Stuart Pearce baffled on talkSPORT’s commentary.

He said: “I was looking for Calafiori and couldn’t see him at all.”

Calafiori has been in and out all season, and his latest absence means that Lewis-Skelly has dropped back to left-back.

He was due to get the chance in midfield, but this injury has forced him to left-back.

In truth, it’s made no difference in the game with Arsenal already 3-0 up over Wigan at the Emirates.

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