RICCARDO CALAFIORI was snubbed in Arsenal’s Champions League XI against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italian defender was replaced by Piero Hincapie at left-back as the Gunners look to secure their first Champions League trophy.
Riccardo Calafiori has been benched for Champions League final Credit: Splash
The Italian reportedly has a niggle in training this week Credit: Getty
Asked by TNT Sports about his team selection, Mikel Arteta said: “With Ricky, we sensed an issue with him in the week.”
Arsenal lifted their first Premier League title last weekend after Manchester City fell short against Bournemouth.
Arteta chose to play Calafiori in the final game of the season, coming off in the 46th minute.
The North London star trained with the team as they began their Champions League final preparations.
BUT he was not deemed fit enough to start at the Puskas Arena.
The 24-year-old played 36 games in total wearing an Arsenal shirt this season, but he has only made six appearances in the European competition.
He missed two games through a muscle injury and then a knock.
And six others he watched on from the bench.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber doesn’t make the starting XI with the defender on the bench after it was judged to be too big of a risk to start him.
Cristhian Mosquera started on the other side of defence, who will do all he can to keep a lid on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique handed starts to the same ten outfield players present at kick-off for last season’s 5-0 final win over Inter Milan.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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