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Arsenal star returns from international duty early to stoke injury fears ahead of north London derby - after 'snubbing Mikel Arteta's request not to join up with national team'

Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has left Italy's squad midway through the international break and is an injury concern ahead of next weekend's north London derby.

Calafiori, 23, has started every Premier League game this season and played a crucial role in the Gunners' brilliant start.

But, over recent weeks he has been nursing a hip injury, yet he still joined up with Italy for their crunch matches against Moldova and Norway this month.

He didn't make the matchday squad for Thursday's 2-0 win over Moldova despite travelling, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Calafiori has now returned to London to be assessed by Arsenal staff.