Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on goalkeeper David Raya, who missed the Carabao Cup third-round win against Bolton Wanderers due to a thigh injury. With third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford also injured, 16-year-old Jack Porter made his debut, becoming the youngest player to start an Arsenal first-team game. On loan from Bournemouth, Neto is cup-tied but could start in the upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester City if Raya is not fit.
When asked about Raya’s condition for the weekend,
Mikel Arteta said “We don’t know yet. He’s got a muscular injury, yes.”
Arteta explained that if Raya does not recover in time, Porter could remain on the bench, with Neto likely starting in goal. He also praised Porter for handling the nerves of his debut:
Mikel Arteta said “I think he spoke to his family and they weren’t prepared for that. It’s a big step, it’s a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it. His teammates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record.”