Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted goalkeeper David Raya remains an injury doubt for Saturday’s clash with Leicester City.
The stopper was seen limping off after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, which then Arteta suggested one of his players could have suffered a “serious” injury.he left fans sweating over his fitness.
Raya missed Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers, and Arteta admitted the Spain international’s return date remains a mystery.
“We don’t know yet,” he said. “He has a muscle injury.”
Raya’s absence contributed to a real headache for Arteta ahead of the Bolton game. Regular stand-in goalkeeper Neto was cup-tied after representing Bournemouth in the competition earlier in the season, while third-choice Tommy Setford missed out with a hip injury.
Arteta eventually turned to 16-year-old Jack Porter, who became the the second youngest player in Arsenal’s history and the youngest ever to start a game in the process.
“We told him yesterday and he was immediately over the moon,” Arteta said of his conversation with Porter. “I think he talked to his family and they weren’t ready for it. It’s a big step, it’s a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it.
“But I think he reacted very well, he was very composed in training yesterday and today as well. His teammates helped him a lot in that too. What an experience and what a way to break a record.”
arsenal will return to action on Saturday when they host newly promoted Leicester to the Premier League.
