Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of David Raya after the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper received treatment in Sunday’s title showdown with Manchester City
Arsenal could be forced to play youth team star Jack Porter in their Carabao Cup tie with Bolton Wanderers amid concerns over David Raya.
The Gunners head into Wednesday night’s third round tie off the back of an absorbing 2-2 draw with Premier League champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side were reduced to 10 men for the second half and now have a number of selection headaches.
Arsenal were already set to be without captain Martin Odegaard for a period after he sustained ankle ligament damage on international duty. Leandro Trossard will also be banned for a match after his red card on Sunday – and there are now concerns over Raya.
The Spaniard, 29, was seen limping with a bandage on his knee post-match on Sunday. And with summer signing Neto cup-tied, it means Porter, 16, could receive a shock call-up in midweek.
According to The Mail, Raya’s knock isn’t serious but Arsenal are still expected to rest their first-choice keeper against Bolton after he received treatment late on against City.
Intriguingly, Tommy Setford – the club’s third-choice keeper who joined them in the summer from Ajax – is also unavailable for the Bolton match due to injury which opens the door for Porter, who only turned 16 back in July.
The rookie goalkeeper has only featured in a handful of games for Arsenal’s Under-18 side and has just one Under-21 appearance under his belt, so making his senior bow in the third round of the Carabao Cup would be a major feather in the youngster’s cap
Porter, who was on the bench for the Gunners’ recent Champions League clash with Atalanta, signed a scholarship back in July. Reacting on social media, he posted: “Dream come true, delighted to sign for this amazing football club with such great history, would like to thank everyone who’s supported me throughout the years. Hard work carries on.”
Although Raya is seemingly unlikely to play in midweek, it’s noted that he is expected to be back in goal at the weekend, where Arsenal host Premier League strugglers Leicester.
The Londoners then play their second Champions League fixture against French giants Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates in a weeks time before travelling to Southampton in their final outing prior to the next international break in early October.
